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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Energy & Infrastructure

Indonesia Launches World's Largest Solar Power Project, Aiming for Energy Independence

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • Indonesia is developing the world's largest solar power plant project, with 14 solar power plants (PLTS) totaling 5.3 gigawatt peak (GWp) capacity.
  • The project involves an investment of approximately $7.7 billion and is expected to save the state budget Rp 4.6 trillion annually.
  • This initiative aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's directive to achieve energy independence and reduce reliance on imported fuels.

Indonesia is embarking on the construction of the world's largest solar power plant (PLTS) project, set to comprise 14 facilities with a combined capacity of 5.3 gigawatt peak (GWp). This ambitious undertaking positions Indonesia ahead of the United Arab Emirates' existing 5.2 GWp project, making it the largest ongoing solar initiative globally.

The project represents a significant investment, estimated at around $7.7 billion (approximately Rp 135 trillion). Officials project substantial annual savings for the state budget, estimated at Rp 4.6 trillion. Furthermore, plans include adding approximately 30 GWp of PLTS capacity to Java, complemented by 100 gigawatt-hour (GWh) of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). This BESS capacity is equivalent to 4-5 GW of load-following power, capable of replacing Gas and Steam Power Plants (PLTGU) and potentially saving about 100 LNG cargo shipments annually.

The largest ongoing solar power project in the world right now is in the United Arab Emirates with 5.2 gigawatt peak (GWp). So, a project of 5.3 GWp in its initial phase is already the largest ongoing project in the world.

— Darmawan PrasodjoHighlighting the scale of Indonesia's new solar project compared to existing global initiatives.

PT PLN (Persero) President Director Darmawan Prasodjo emphasized that the company is central to executing President Prabowo Subianto's directive for energy independence amidst complex geopolitics. This includes reducing the nation's dependence on imported oil fuels by replacing diesel power plants (PLTD) with solar energy.

Of the 14 PLTS projects, six are ready for tender. These include the floating solar plant at Jatiluhur Dam (1,688 MWp), Cirata Dam (1,250 MWp), and Jatigede Dam (636 MWp), all in West Java. Other projects include a PLTS and BESS cluster in Madura (605 MWp) to support fuel elimination programs, a PLTS in Gilimanuk, Bali (300 MWp) to reduce oil fuel use on the island, and a PLTS at the Land Bank in Purwakarta (69 MWp). Three additional projects in Banyuwangi (130.2 MWp), Pasuruan (132 MWp), and another in East Java are in the groundbreaking phase.

PLN is the epicenter in carrying out the directives from Mr. President. Therefore, friends, are you ready to carry out the directives from the President of the Republic of Indonesia?

— Darmawan PrasodjoRallying PLN employees to implement the president's energy independence goals.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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