Masdar Expands Floating Solar Leadership with New Agreements in Indonesia
In a significant step towards enhancing renewable energy collaboration between the UAE and Indonesia, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar has signed two key agreements with Indonesia’s state-owned electricity company, PT PLN (Persero), focused on advancing floating solar power projects in the Southeast Asian nation.
The agreements were signed on the sidelines of the state visit of President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia to the UAE, reinforcing the growing strategic partnership between the two countries in the energy sector.
Pioneering the Jatigede Floating Solar Plant
The first agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), sets the framework for developing a floating solar plant at Jatigede Dam in West Java. This follows Masdar’s successful bid in the Hijaunesia 2023 program, where it offered the lowest tariff. Development on the Jatigede project is slated to commence this year, with completion scheduled for 2027.
Expansion of the Cirata Floating Solar Project
The second agreement, a ‘Principles of Agreement’, outlines joint efforts to explore the expansion of the Cirata Floating Photovoltaic Power Plant, which began operations in November 2023. The existing 145MWac plant is already the region’s largest of its kind and currently provides clean energy to 50,000 homes, cutting 214,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
Strengthening the UAE–Indonesia Energy Ties
These agreements underscore the UAE’s commitment to supporting Indonesia’s renewable energy goals, including its aim to add 75GW of renewable capacity by 2040 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The collaboration will also contribute to enhancing energy security and driving economic growth through sustainable development.
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, commented:
“The Jatigede project, alongside the Cirata expansion, represents a major step forward in our collaboration with PLN and in our broader mission to scale up floating solar solutions globally. This partnership highlights our ongoing commitment to Indonesia’s energy transition and sustainable future.”
Dr. Darmawan Prasodjo, President Director of PT PLN (Persero), said:
“These projects are a testament to the global collaboration required to combat climate change. By expanding our renewable energy footprint, we are reducing dependence on fossil fuels, enhancing sustainability, and advancing Indonesia’s energy independence.”
Ideal Conditions for Floating Solar Growth
Indonesia's geographical makeup—with over 17,000 islands and more than 600 natural lakes and reservoirs—makes it an ideal location for floating solar technology. Masdar has been actively expanding its regional presence, opening an office in Jakarta in 2021 and entering the geothermal sector through strategic investments in 2023.
Masdar has grown its global renewable energy capacity from 20GW in 2022 to 51GW by the end of 2024, with a target of reaching 100GW by 2030 and becoming a global leader in green hydrogen production.
