Tambolaka – A delegation from Limes Renewable Energy of Italy is exploring the development of a solar power plant in Southwest Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara.
The visit took place from 5 to 7 May 2025 as part of a commitment to support the clean energy transition in eastern Indonesia. This is also the first step for the Limes team in East Nusa Tenggara to establish relations with the local government, prior to the official visit of the Italian Limes team scheduled for July 2025.
During the visit, the Limes team was welcomed by the Regent of Southwest Sumba, Ratu Ngadu Bonnu Wulla, Deputy Regent Rangga Kaka and other regency officials. The audience was warm and constructive at the SBD Regent's office in Tambolaka.
On this occasion, Regent Ratu Wulla expressed her full commitment to accelerating the use of renewable energy, particularly solar power plants, as a solution to improve community energy security and support the vision of sustainable development in her region.
"We welcome the presence of Limes Renewable Energy in West Sumba. We really need clean energy, not only to support the community's electricity needs, but also to boost the tourism sector, village resilience, and preserve the environment," said Regent Ratu Wulla.
Deputy Regent of SBD, Mr Rangga Kaka, also emphasised the importance of equitable electrification in all villages, which currently still depend on limited electricity supply or are not yet connected to the grid at all.
‘We aim to ensure that every village and every household has access to clean and reliable electricity. This is not just about comfort, but about equitable development. We hope that our collaboration with Limes will pave the way for community-based solar power plant electrification that is both effective and appropriate,’ said Vice Regent Rangga Kaka.
The Limes Renewable Energy team presented plans for the development of community-scale solar power plants designed to reach remote villages, public service facilities, and support tourism areas in SBD.
This plan is based on an assessment of the region's solar energy potential and the availability of land, which has been discussed in advance with the local government.
Andre Wibowo, Limes Renewable Energy Project Manager for East Nusa Tenggara, explained that this visit was the first step in a long-term mission to build sustainable clean energy infrastructure in Southwest Sumba.
"We see tremendous potential in this region, both in terms of technical aspects and socio-political support. But clean and stable electricity is the key to the development of tourism, education, and micro-businesses. This visit is the starting point, and we greatly appreciate the full support of the regent and deputy regent in realising this vision," said Andre.
This initial visit also serves as preparation for a courtesy meeting in July 2025, when a delegation from Limes Renewable Energy from Italy is scheduled to come to Tambolaka to meet officially with Regent Ratu Wulla and Deputy Regent Rangga Kaka.
The meeting will strengthen international cooperation in supporting the energy transition agenda in East Nusa Tenggara.
With strong support from local leaders, the urgency of village electrification, and the collaborative spirit between the public and private sectors, Limes Renewable Energy's solar power plant development initiative in Southwest Sumba is expected to be an important milestone in realising a diesel-free, low-carbon, and energy-resilient Sumba.
This is not just a matter of replacing fuel but of building a more equitable, sustainable future that empowers all levels of SBD society.
Southwest Sumba, a regency with exotic scenery and invaluable cultural wealth, still faces fundamental development challenges: high dependence on diesel generators for electricity for the community, remote villages, and the growing tourism sector.
This situation hinders the growth of vital sectors such as SMEs, education, and public services.