Indonesian Islands Target 100% Renewable Energy by 2050, Study Finds
Indonesian Islands Target 100% Renewable Energy by 2050, Study Finds
Three Indonesian islands—Timor, Sumbawa, and Sulawesi—could fully meet their electricity needs with renewable energy by 2050, according to a new study by the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR), reported by Antara News.The report, titled “Islands Based on 100 per cent Renewable Energy and Flexibility in the Electric Power System,” outlines a bold, strategic roadmap toward clean energy independence for these regions, with a focus on solar, wind, hydro, and biomass solutions.
$5.21 Billion Investment Needed for Timor and Sumbawa
To reach 100% renewable energy in Timor and Sumbawa, the IESR estimates an investment of US$5.21 billion. The strategy involves a two-phase transformation: first, replacing planned fossil fuel infrastructure with renewable power from 2025 to 2035, and second, eliminating any remaining fossil-based generation by 2050 through fuel substitution.On Sumbawa Island, this will mean halting future coal and diesel plants and instead developing solar, wind, and small hydro capacity across the next two decades.
Sulawesi Poised for a Major Renewable Leap
Sulawesi is identified as a flexible, industrially capable region with the potential to become a renewable energy hub. With 63 GW of economically viable solar and wind energy resources, the island is projected to raise its renewable electricity share from just 2.4% in 2024 to 29% by 2060.While the timeline for Sulawesi is slightly longer, its vast capacity for solar installations and wind power—coupled with existing industrial infrastructure—makes it one of the most promising islands in the nation for renewable development.
Timor’s Future Grid: 82% Solar by 2050
Timor Island boasts 30.81 GW of renewable energy potential. By 2050, IESR projects that its energy mix will be made up of: 82% solar energy, 9% mini-hydro, 6% wind, 3% biomassThis future vision hinges on scrapping coal and gas-fired projects planned under Indonesia’s current electricity development roadmap, in favor of scalable and distributed renewable alternatives.
Key to Success: Legal Reform and Local Commitment
IESR’s report emphasizes that the path to full decarbonization will require ambitious local government support, robust legal reforms in energy planning, and transparent procurement processes. Without these structural changes, the transition to renewable energy could face regulatory and financial roadblocks.With climate resilience and energy independence at the heart of the strategy, the islands of Timor, Sumbawa, and Sulawesi could become Southeast Asia’s new models for sustainable, off-grid innovation.
