Masdar and PLN NP to expand Indonesian floating solar plant by 500MW
Pamela Largue
Posted on: 27 September 2023
Masdar and PLN Nusantara Power have signed an agreement to develop Phase II of the Cirata floating photovoltaic power plant in Indonesia.
Abu Dhabi energy company Masdar and energy generator PLN Nusantara Power have signed an agreement committing to the development of phase II of the Cirata floating solar power plant in Indonesia.
The two companies partnered to develop the initial 145MW phase of the project, which is located on a 250-hectare plot of the 6200-hectare Cirata Reservoir in West Java, Indonesia.
Phase one is expected to come online later this year.
Phase II will include an up to 500MW expansion of the project, made possible by a recent regulatory development from the Ministry of Public Works and Housing that now allows up to 20% of water coverage for renewable energy uses.
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President director of PLN NP, Ruly Firmansyah, said: “The Cirata floating solar photovoltaic power plant is already a regional leader in size and innovation. With this next phase of development, we can further expand what is already the largest floating solar PV platform in Southeast Asia at 145MW which PLN NP and Masdar will be bringing into operation this year.”
Indonesia's green potential
Indonesia has plans to increase its renewable energy mix and has pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2060 at the latest.
Furthermore, the country has committed to a 29% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030, or a 41% reduction with international support.
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Indonesia has the highest energy consumption among the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and its energy use is set to rise with expected economic and population growth.
However, the nation has 419GW renewable energy potential, including 75GW of hydro energy, 23.7GW of geothermal, 207.8 GW of solar and 60.6GW of wind.
Indonesia is considered a key strategic market in Southeast Asia for Masdar, evidenced by the recent strategic investment in Pertamina Geothermal Energy and the opening of an office in Jakarta in 2021.
