Indonesia is taking bold steps toward a greener future with its Indonesia Floating Solar Projects. As the country aims to achieve a 23% renewable energy share by 2025, floating solar power has emerged as a key solution to boost clean energy capacity while utilizing existing water resources.
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Cirata: A Landmark of Indonesia Floating Solar Projects
At the heart of this movement is the Cirata Floating Solar Power Plant in West Java. As Indonesia’s first large-scale floating solar project, Cirata has a capacity of 192 megawatts (MW) and is expected to generate 300,000 MWh of electricity annually. This is enough to power 50,000 homes and reduce coal consumption by 117,000 tons each year.
The Cirata project, a collaboration between UAE-based Masdar and Indonesia’s state-owned utility PLN, stands as Southeast Asia’s largest floating solar facility. It highlights how international partnerships can help Indonesia advance toward its net-zero emissions goals while addressing engineering and environmental challenges.
Unlocking Gigawatt-Scale Potential
Beyond Cirata, Indonesia’s Indonesia Floating Solar Projects continue to expand. The Saguling Reservoir project is set to add another 60 MW to the grid. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works has identified 109 dams with a combined potential for 13.89 gigawatts (GW) of floating solar capacity. This alone represents about 81% of the national solar power development target of 17.1 GW set for 2025–2034.
Floating solar installations offer a unique advantage. They reduce land-use conflicts, limit water evaporation, and improve solar panel efficiency due to the cooling effect of water. These factors make floating solar an ideal option for a country with vast water resources and rising electricity demand.
Indonesia Floating Solar Projects Support National Renewable Energy Targets
Indonesia’s Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL) for 2025–2034 includes plans to add 17.1 GW of solar power capacity, with floating solar expected to play a significant role. PLN aims to develop 2.4 GW of floating solar capacity by 2025, making solar projects a central part of the strategy.
As of August 2024, Indonesia’s total installed solar capacity stood at 717.71 MW. PLN’s renewable roadmap projects an additional 7.9 GW of new solar capacity by 2033, with over 5 GW expected to come from rooftop installations in the next five years. Together, these efforts indicate a major shift toward cleaner, more resilient energy infrastructure.
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Driving Green Growth with Global Partnerships
The success of sustainable projects reflects Indonesia’s ability to build strong international collaborations, such as the Masdar-PLN partnership. These collaborations not only bring in investment and technology but also help Indonesia overcome engineering challenges and accelerate knowledge transfer to local stakeholders.
By focusing on downstream value, Indonesia ensures that renewable energy development benefits the economy, creates jobs, and strengthens local expertise. The emphasis on floating solar also aligns with national efforts to reduce carbon emissions and minimize reliance on fossil fuels.
A Cleaner Future Powered by Indonesia Floating Solar Projects
President Prabowo’s administration has made clear that energy independence and sustainability are national priorities. The rapid progress of Indonesia Floating Solar Projects, starting with Cirata, demonstrates Indonesia’s commitment to meeting its renewable energy goals and positioning itself as a leader in Southeast Asia’s green transition. In summary, Indonesia’s push for floating solar is more than just a technological advancement. It is a bold vision for a cleaner, more secure energy future that supports economic growth and environmental stewardship.
