Dubai-based renewable energy company Masdar and PLN Nusantara Power (PLN NP) have signed an agreement to develop Phase II of the Cirata floating photovoltaic (FPV) power plant in Indonesia. This new FPV power plant will have triple capacity than the initial phase and it will add up to 500 megawatts (MW) power plant.
PLN Nusantara Power (PLN NP) was previously known as PT Pembangkitan Jawa-Bali (PT PJB), a subsidiary of Indonesia’s state electricity company PT PLN (Persero). PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) is an Indonesian government-owned corporation with a monopoly on electric power distribution in Indonesia. It generates most of the country’s electrical power.
Masdar in collaboration with PT PJB has developed the initial 145MW Cirata floating solar power plant, now PLN NP. This initial phase solar plant project is located in the picturesque Cirata reservoir in West Java, Indonesia. It is the region’s largest floating solar facility. The Citara Phase 1 is expected to be operational this year.
A recent regulatory development from the Ministry of Public Works and Housing in Indonesia allows up to 20% of water coverage for renewable energy uses, which will open up the Cirata expansion to a further 500MW.
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Masdar’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Masdar, the UAE, and Indonesia are pushing the boundaries of innovation with the Cirata floating solar photovoltaic project, already the largest in the region at 145MW – and set to grow by an impressive additional 500MW as part of Phase II. Within the key strategic markets of Southeast Asia and Indonesia, Masdar is building on our productive partnership with PLN group to grow renewable energy capacity and support Indonesia’s ambitious net-zero objectives ahead of COP28 and beyond.”
President Director of PLN NP, Ruly Firmansyah, said in a statement “We’re delighted to be growing our renewable energy portfolio for Indonesia as we extend our successful partnership with Masdar. 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.”
The 500 MW floating power plant will support Indonesia’s plans to increase its renewable energy mix. Indonesia has pledged to reach net zero emissions by 2060 or earlier. The Southeast Asian nation has pledged to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 29% by 2030, or 41% with international support.
The completion date of Phase II of the Cirata floating photovoltaic (FPV) power plant has yet to be provided by the companies.
