Masdar, the UAE’s leading renewable energy company, has secured two major agreements with PT PLN (Persero), Indonesia’s state-owned electricity provider, to accelerate the deployment of floating solar power in the Southeast Asian nation. The agreements, which were signed during a state visit by Indonesia’s President H.E. Prabowo Subianto to the UAE, mark a significant step forward in Indonesia’s efforts to decarbonize its energy sector and achieve its ambitious renewable energy targets.
Pioneering Floating Solar Developments
The first agreement is for the development of the Jatigede floating solar plant at the Jatigede Dam reservoir in West Java. Following Masdar’s successful bid in Indonesia’s Hijaunesia 2023 program, where the company achieved the lowest tariff, the development of the project is set to begin in 2024, with completion scheduled for 2027.
“The Jatigede project will be a strong addition to our collaboration with PLN and its development, along with the expansion of our already record-breaking Cirata project, will enable us to build on our expertise in developing floating solar projects,” said Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar. “These agreements demonstrate our continuing commitment to supporting Indonesia’s ambitious renewable energy objectives.”
Expansion of Cirata Floating Solar Plant
Alongside the Jatigede project, Masdar and PLN also signed a ‘Principles of Agreement’ to explore the expansion of the Cirata Floating Photovoltaic Power Plant, the largest floating solar plant in Southeast Asia. The existing 145MWac facility, which began operations in November 2023, provides clean energy to 50,000 homes, cutting down 214,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. The planned expansion builds on previous regulatory reforms that allow a greater share of water surfaces to be used for renewable energy projects.
“PLN is fully committed to leading Indonesia’s energy transition,” said PLN President Director Dr. Darmawan Prasodjo. “These collaborations are a testament to the shared global effort needed to address the climate crisis. By expanding our renewable energy capacity, we’re reducing fossil fuel dependence, enhancing energy sustainability, and strengthening energy sovereignty while driving economic growth.”
Indonesia’s Renewable Energy Ambitions
Indonesia’s geographic advantages, with more than 600 lakes and reservoirs across its 17,000 islands, make it a prime location for floating solar deployment. With a target of achieving 75GW of renewable energy by 2030, floating solar is expected to play a vital role in the country’s push to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
Masdar’s regional expansion is also reflected in its 2023 entry into Indonesia’s geothermal sector and the opening of a Jakarta office in 2021. Globally, the company is rapidly scaling its renewable energy portfolio, with plans to increase from 20GW in 2022 to 51GW by the end of 2024, with an overarching goal of reaching 100GW by 2030.
Strengthening UAE-Indonesia Energy Ties
These projects further solidify the UAE’s strategic investment in Southeast Asia’s energy transition and highlight Masdar’s role in driving global renewable innovation. The partnerships align with Indonesia’s growing renewable energy infrastructure and the nation’s vision of becoming a leader in sustainable energy.
Masdar’s continued growth in Indonesia is a key part of its broader mission to promote sustainable energy solutions worldwide, with a particular focus on advancing clean and innovative energy projects in emerging markets.
