Indonesian island to be totally powered by renewables

Sumba island receives funding from Asian Development Bank.

ADB has granted a US$1 million loan to provide technical assistance to increase renewable energy access in Sumba.

The move is part of the “Iconic Island” initiative, started by international development organization, Hivos, which aims to help Sumba generate 100% of its energy from renewable.

Currently, only two small grids, powered by diesel generators irregularly supply about a quarter of the Sumba population with electricity.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources said the government expects the resulting projects to be commercially sustainable and attract independent funding, making Sumba an example for similar projects in other parts of Indonesia and beyond.