Inauguration of the Cirata floating solar power plant

The recent inauguration of the Cirata floating solar power plant in Indonesia marks a major turning point for renewable energies in Southeast Asia.

Share:

Inauguration  Cirata

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

The completion of the 145 megawatt (MWac) (192MWp) Cirata floating solar power plant in Indonesia marks a major milestone in Southeast Asia’s renewable energy sector. Indeed, this project, undertaken by the Emirati company Masdar and the Indonesian group PLN, symbolizes the growing commitment of these nations to the energy transition.

Cooperation between Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates

Built on a 250-hectare plot on the Cirata reservoir in West Java province, the plant is Masdar’s first of its kind and the largest in the region. It has the capacity to supply electricity to 50,000 homes, while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 214,000 tonnes.

Phase II planning and future expansion

This project illustrates the close collaboration between Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the field of clean energy. Masdar, and PLN Nusantara Power (PLN NP), have also planned a second phase for Cirata, aimed at developing up to 500MW of additional capacity.

Importance of the inauguration event

The inauguration event was attended by key figures including Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Arifin Tasrif, and representatives of the United Arab Emirates, underlining the importance of the project for both countries.

Regulations and expansion opportunities

The plant’s planned expansion is made possible by a recent regulation from Indonesia’s Ministry of Public Works and Housing, allowing up to 20% of the water surface to be used for renewable energy projects.

International cooperation and emissions targets

The Cirata project is hailed as a model of international cooperation in reducing emissions and accelerating the energy transition to net zero emissions by 2060. Indonesia, a key strategic market for Masdar in Southeast Asia, has also seen the company invest in the geothermal energy sector through a strategic investment in Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) in February 2023.

Economic and environmental implications

In addition to its environmental implications, the Cirata project brings significant economic benefits. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), increasing renewable energies could save Indonesia up to US$51.7 billion a year, taking into account the impact on air pollution and climate change.

Advantages of floating solar power plants

Floating solar power plants offer many advantages. In particular, they offer greater efficiency for solar panels thanks to the proximity of the water that cools them. What’s more, they also help reduce evaporation, preserving fresh water for drinking and irrigation. Masdar, founded in 2006, is active in over 40 countries and has a total power generation capacity of over 20GW. With investments in projects with a combined value of over US$30 billion, Masdar has ambitious plans to reach 100GW and produce 1 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030.

The inauguration of the Cirata floating solar power plant represents a giant step forward for renewable energy in Southeast Asia. This project, the fruit of international collaboration, illustrates the growing importance of floating solar energy in the fight against climate change.

PowerBank has signed a lease for a 1.76 MW ground-mounted solar project in upstate New York, aiming to power around 200 homes through a community-based programme.
AXIAN Energy has acquired a majority stake in the Bangweulu solar plant in Zambia, strengthening its pan-African solar strategy while entering a rapidly growing energy market.
Sun Trinity has commissioned a 3.1 MW solar carport in Nara, bringing its on-site PPA capacity with Aeon Mall to 10.1 MW under a nationwide rollout plan across twelve commercial sites.
A joint programme funded with CHF15.12mn ($19mn) aims to boost energy efficiency and renewables in Alpine regions by 2029.
Aurora Renewables will develop an intelligent microgrid combining solar, batteries and digital simulation technology to enhance power supply in northern Saskatchewan.
Norwegian firm Scatec expands its presence in West Africa with two solar projects totalling 64 MW and a 10 MWh storage system, under lease agreements signed in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
The New South Wales Government has approved Ark Energy’s hybrid solar and battery project in Richmond Valley, combining a solar power plant and long-duration storage.
Nextracker will supply steel frames for solar modules to T1 Energy in a multi-year deal worth over $75mn, aiming to strengthen the local solar supply chain and reduce dependence on imported aluminium.
Geronimo Power has started construction on the Bee Hollow solar park in St. Clair County, a 150 MW project expected to generate $54mn in direct economic impact for the region.
EDF has inaugurated a 1.2 MWc solar power plant and an intelligent electrical grid in Maripasoula, French Guiana, strengthening the energy autonomy of this remote community previously reliant on fuel imports.
EDP has commissioned a solar power plant in Salerno integrating livestock farming, with a capacity of 10 MWc and an annual output of 17 GWh, marking the launch of a hybrid model to be replicated in France and Germany.
Aura Power has finalised financing for its fourth UK solar plant in twelve months, backed by Rabobank, bringing its under-construction capacity to 242 MWp across the country.
The Tützpatz solar project, developed by Vattenfall and powered by GCL System Integration, combines energy production and agricultural use across 93 hectares without public funding.
Koshidaka Group signed a 10-year power purchase agreement with Farmland and Eneres to supply its Tokyo-area facilities with electricity from a 1.6MWAC solar plant located in Annaka.
The PairPHNXX system, designed for rapid deployment in areas without grid access, targets agricultural, military, and industrial markets with a turnkey modular technology.
Ascent Solar Technologies has delivered samples of its flexible photovoltaic technology to two companies for testing in extreme environments, at sea and in space.
Geronimo Power has started construction of the Bee Hollow solar project, valued at $54mn, in St. Clair County, delivering jobs, tax revenue and a partnership with the IMEA municipal agency.
The British government has approved Tillbridge Solar Farm, a 500-MW solar power plant with 2,310 MWh of energy storage, developed by Tribus Clean Energy and Recurrent Energy.
wpd solar France has launched construction of a 140.6MWc photovoltaic park in Marcy, in the Nièvre department, integrating agricultural co-activity across 632 hectares in partnership with five local farms.
Independent energy producer CVE has inaugurated a 12 MWc solar farm on municipal land in Volx, generating 19 GWh annually and an estimated €5mn in economic returns over 30 years.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.