Indonesian company PLN Nusantara Power has announced a tender for a 100 MW floating solar project in east-central Java.
Although details are scarce, PLN Nusantara announced "pre-qualification for strategic partner selection process" in early January. Designed to identify potential partners but not requiring a proposal or binding partnership, interested parties must be interested in partnering with a solar project development service provider.
The so-called Karangkates Floating Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant will have a capacity of 100 MW and, true to its name, appears to be located on the Karangkates Reservoir in Southeast Java.
Indonesia currently has very little renewable energy.
Citing fossil fuels, the International Energy Agency announced early last year that Indonesia's energy mix consists of 63% coal, 18% natural gas, 7% hydropower and 10% renewable energy (mainly geothermal and biofuels). . )
In terms of ambition, Indonesia's roadmap calls for 23% renewable energy by 2025, 28% by 2038 and 31% by 2050.
But more can be done. In October, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) identified the potential for renewable energy to account for 85 percent of the country's energy mix by 2050.
And last November, Australian solar exporter Sun Cable signed a memorandum of understanding with the Indonesian government to free up more than $150 billion to develop the island's "green industry."
It remains to be seen where that MOU stands after Sun Cable entered voluntary administration earlier this month. Directors Andrew Forrest and Mike Cannon-Brookes, the billionaire backers, began selling the company on Wednesday after failing to resolve their differences over the business plan.
From now on, Sun Cable will primarily focus on its flagship project, the Australia-Asia Power Link. 20GW of solar power and up to 42GW hours of battery storage plus a 900MW transmission line and 800km to Darwin and 4,200km of substations. - Subsea cable to provide 1.75 GW power connection to Singapore.
On the other hand, Indonesia seems to be focusing on launching multiple floating solar projects across the country. In May 2022, Saudi Arabian developer ACWA Power received a license to build a 110MW floating solar power plant, and in late 2021, Indonesian company Pembangkitan Jawa Bali (PJB) financed the 145MW Sirata floating photovoltaic power plant. .
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology and electric cars for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric cars and clean technology for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is on foot.
