DENPASAR, BALINEWS — The Bali provincial government has firmly rejected the construction of new fossil fuel power plants, including those powered by diesel, and is accelerating the development of renewable energy, particularly solar power.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster announced the policy while attending the launch of electric buses and electric vehicle charging stations under the Bali E-Mobility Project at Bajra Sandhi Monument Square in Renon, Denpasar, on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
Koster stressed that the provincial government would not issue permits for power plants fueled by fossil energy. He also urged state-owned electricity company PT PLN to prioritize cleaner energy sources in developing Bali’s electricity infrastructure.
“We are asking PLN to build power plants using environmentally friendly fuels, with natural gas as the minimum transitional option,” Koster said.
As an alternative, Bali is stepping up efforts to expand solar power generation. According to Koster, the central government has approved an additional allocation of 1,000 megawatts (MW) of solar power capacity for the island, with development planned primarily in Jembrana and Buleleng regencies.
The projects are currently undergoing permitting and other preparatory processes. Koster expects construction to begin in 2027.
“Once these projects get underway, Bali will make tremendous progress toward becoming a cleaner island,” he said.
Koster added that the transition to clean energy also includes accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles.
Citing a study, he said more than 90 percent of air pollution in Bali originated from power generation and transportation that rely on fossil fuels. He argued that reducing dependence on fossil energy was essential to improving air quality, protecting the environment, and safeguarding public health.
The rejection of new fossil fuel power plants and the planned expansion of solar power capacity form part of Bali’s broader strategy to accelerate the transition toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy system.
