Gilimanuk Solar Plant in Bali to Expand to 300 MWp as PLN Targets Reduced Fuel Imports
State utility PLN is expanding a solar power plant (PLTS) in Gilimanuk, Jembrana, Bali, aiming for a capacity of up to 300 MWp. Equipped with battery storage, the project will supply electricity to major tourist areas including Denpasar, Kuta, Nusa Dua, and Sanur, reducing reliance on imported fuel and supporting Bali's image as an eco-friendly destination.
Indonesia's state electricity company PLN is advancing development of a solar power plant (PLTS) in Gilimanuk, Jembrana regency, Bali, with an initial target capacity of up to 300 megawatts peak (MWp). PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo said the project marks a step toward shifting Bali's electricity system away from fossil fuel dependence toward renewable energy.
The plant will be equipped with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), allowing electricity generated during the day to be stored and used from night through early morning. This is expected to reduce reliance on imported fuel oil, which has historically seen heavy use during evening and nighttime hours.
Electricity from the Gilimanuk plant will be distributed via a 150 kilovolt (kV) high-voltage transmission network to various regions across Bali, including Denpasar, Kuta, Nusa Dua, and Sanur — all major tourist destinations. PLN estimates that the 320-hectare site in Gilimanuk still has further development potential, and surveys of dry land in Buleleng and Karangasem regencies are underway to support additional capacity expansion.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster welcomed the project, saying it aligns with the province's 'Energy-Independent Bali with Clean Energy' program. He noted that expanding solar power could reduce fuel consumption while reinforcing Bali's image as an environmentally friendly tourist destination.
Things to Consider
This is a multi-year infrastructure project with no immediate action required for tourists or residents. However, long-term residents and business owners may want to follow PLN's future announcements and grid development progress, as improved power stability could reduce the risk of outages at hotels and commercial facilities in tourist areas like Kuta, Sanur, and Nusa Dua.
Source: Ringtimes