Bali Governor Designates Five Low-Emission Zones Including Nusa Dua and Ubud to Boost Sustainable Tourism
Bali Governor Wayan Koster has designated Nusa Dua, Kuta, Ubud, Sanur, and the Nusa Penida Islands as low-emission zones to enhance the sustainability of Bali's tourism sector. Hotels, restaurants, villas, and other buildings in these areas will be required to adopt solar power, use electric vehicles, and reduce single-use plastics. The move is partly driven by concerns that Bali's power demand will exceed capacity by 2027, risking rolling blackouts in tourist areas.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster announced on Thursday, August 6, 2026, in Denpasar that five regions across the island have been designated as low-emission zones. The areas are Nusa Dua and Kuta in Badung, Ubud in Gianyar, Sanur in Denpasar City, and the Nusa Penida Islands in Klungkung.
According to the governor, all buildings in these zonesâincluding hotels, restaurants, villas, offices, and residencesâwill be required to adopt Solar Power Plants (PLTS). The initiative also includes promoting green transportation through battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), expanding forest cover, reducing single-use plastics in tourist areas, and encouraging a 'green society' based on local wisdom.
Koster noted that while restrictions on single-use plastics and clean energy adoption are already underway, these efforts need to be intensified this year. He also stressed that Bali should not rely solely on Hotel and Restaurant Tax (PHR) revenue and needs a structured framework for future development.
The governor further emphasized the urgency of energy self-sufficiency, warning that the undersea cable transmitting high-voltage electricity between islands could be damaged due to natural or other causes at any time. He said Bali's current power demand is around 1,200 MW against a capacity of 1,400 MW, and by 2027 demand is projected to exceed capacityâraising the risk of rolling blackouts in tourism areas if no action is taken.
Koster instructed the Bali Provincial Research and Innovation Agency (BRIDA) and relevant district/city officials to work with expert groups to map out the zones and formulate detailed regulations, including encouraging rooftop solar installation on hotels, restaurants, villas, offices, and homes.
Things to Consider
If staying in Nusa Dua, Kuta, Ubud, Sanur, or Nusa Penida, expect increased restrictions on single-use plastics at hotels and shops as new regulations take effectâbringing a reusable bottle and bags is advisable. Villa and hotel owners/operators should monitor announcements from the Bali Provincial Government and BRIDA regarding solar panel installation requirements, timelines, and any available incentives. Long-term residents and business operators may also want to consider backup power solutions given the projected power supply shortfall starting in 2027.
Source: ANTARA