ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesia is moving to transform its vast ocean resources into a new source of clean energy, with Nusa Penida in Bali selected as a pioneering location for a marine current power project expected to begin operation in 2029.
The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) is supporting the development of a Marine Current Power Plant (PLTAL) that will utilize ocean currents to drive underwater turbines and generate electricity. The project marks a significant step in Indonesia’s effort to expand renewable energy sources while strengthening its blue economy strategy.
Nusa Penida was selected based on assessments of ocean current potential, electricity grid connectivity, transportation infrastructure and regional energy policies.
“Indonesia’s marine areas contain extraordinary renewable energy potential, ranging from offshore wind and floating solar PV to ocean currents and waves,” said Kartika Listriana, Director General of Marine Spatial Planning at KKP.
She emphasized that unlocking marine energy resources requires integrated and sustainable ocean management to ensure future technologies can develop effectively.
Bali’s Low-Carbon Island Vision
Bali is positioning itself as a model for clean energy transformation. Governor I Wayan Koster said the province aims to achieve greater energy independence through renewable energy development.
The provincial government plans to prepare a regulation to designate Nusa Penida as a low-emission area, supporting the development of clean energy projects and sustainable economic activities.
The marine current power project is expected to become a landmark initiative demonstrating how Indonesia’s island regions can utilize local renewable resources to support future energy needs.
Indonesia’s Vast Ocean Energy Potential
As one of the world’s largest archipelagic nations, Indonesia possesses significant potential for ocean-based renewable energy.
Research from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) shows that ocean energy could become one of the important pillars of Indonesia’s energy transition, alongside solar, wind and other renewable sources.
Marine energy resources include ocean currents, wave energy and Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), which utilizes temperature differences between surface and deep seawater.
Ahmad Mukhlis Firdaus, a marine engineering researcher from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), said Indonesia has strong geographical advantages for developing ocean energy.
“Indonesia has enormous potential from ocean currents, waves and ocean thermal energy, although technology and economic challenges remain,” he said.
One of the most promising areas is the Larantuka Strait in East Nusa Tenggara, where strong ocean currents have attracted research attention due to their potential for electricity generation.
Wave Energy and Floating Solar Expand Blue Economy Opportunities
Beyond ocean currents, Indonesia is also advancing research into wave energy and floating solar technology.
BRIN researcher Agus Dendi Rochendi explained that Wave Energy Converter (WEC) technology could transform the mechanical movement of waves into electricity.
Indonesia’s southern coastline, including parts of Sumatra, Java and Nusa Tenggara, has considerable wave energy potential due to strong ocean swells throughout the year.
“Waves are available continuously. The challenge is how engineers can extract this potential efficiently,” Agus said.
Research institutions have developed prototypes and conducted field testing in locations including Bali and Pangandaran.
At the same time, floating photovoltaic technology is being explored for coastal and marine environments as Indonesia seeks to expand renewable energy capacity without competing for land resources.
17 Marine Energy Locations Identified
Government mapping by KKP, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), and marine research institutions has identified at least 17 potential marine energy locations across Indonesia.
Despite its enormous potential, experts acknowledge that marine energy development still faces challenges, particularly high investment costs and technology readiness.
However, researchers believe improvements in technology, larger-scale projects, stronger investment and collaboration between government, universities, research institutions and industry will accelerate commercialization.
“Collaboration is the key to accelerating ocean energy development as part of Indonesia’s national energy system,” Ahmad said.
Turning Oceans Into Future Energy Assets
With rising global demand for clean energy, Indonesia is increasingly looking beyond traditional resources and turning its maritime strength into a strategic energy asset.
The Nusa Penida project represents a new chapter in Indonesia’s renewable energy journey, showing how the country’s vast oceans could help power a cleaner and more sustainable future for Asia. (AT Network)
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