Masdar begins construction of Indonesia’s first floating photovoltaic power project
Project is expected to begin commercial operations in Q4, 2022
Masdar has announced that it has achieved financial close on a 145MW power project that it is developing with PT PJBI in Indonesia. Construction of the Cirata Floating Photovoltaic Power Plant has already commenced, with Masdar noting it is one of the largest projects of its kind in Southeast Asia.
According to a statement, the project is being built on the Cirata reservoir in the West Java Province and, once complete, it will provide enough electricity to power 50,000 homes and will offset 214,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. It will also contribute to the creation of up to 800 jobs.
Financing for the project – Indonesia’s first floating solar power plant – was arranged through Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Societe Generale and Standard Chartered Bank. The floating plant is being developed by PT. Pembangkitan Jawa Bali Masdar Solar Energi (PMSE), a joint venture between Masdar and PT PJBI, and is expected to begin commercial operation in Q4 of 2022, the statement said.
“The Ministry of Investment fully supports the investment realisation of the Cirata Floating Solar Project by PT. PJBI and Masdar. This is a flagship project of the UAE’s investment in Indonesia and most importantly, it is in line with the Indonesian Government target in renewable energy mix of 23% by 2025. This project represents the UAE’s first investment in Indonesia’s renewable energy sector, and we look forward to furthering collaboration between our countries, as we leverage our natural resources to build a more sustainable future,” said Bahlil Lahadalia, minister of Investment of Indonesia and chairman of the Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board.
Abdulla Salem Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Indonesia and the ASEAN region added, “Reaching this historic milestone demonstrates the strength of the relationship between the UAE and Indonesia. The UAE is committed to promoting and investing in clean energy projects around the world and taking positive action on climate change. We stand together with Indonesia on driving sustainable development and we will continue to support the nation’s clean energy transition.”
Throughout the development of the project, Masdar conducted a series of social initiatives aimed at raising awareness on sustainability issues and strengthening local community engagement, the statement explained.
CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi remarked, “This achievement would not have been possible without the constant support of the Government of Indonesia, our lenders and our strategic partnership with PJBI and PT PLN, who have been with us on every step of our journey. The designation of this project as a National Strategic Project has been invaluable in enabling us to make such significant progress and demonstrates that the government recognises the economic and social benefits the Cirata project will bring to the local community and all of Indonesia.”
Amir Faisal of PJBI concluded, “This floating power project is a first for Indonesia, and is also a significant step in PJBI’s renewable energy journey. We see tremendous potential for similar projects in Indonesia and we look forward to continuing our fruitful collaboration with Masdar to work on more renewable energy projects and help our nation achieve its clean energy objectives.”
