PLN Indonesia Power Develops 500 MW Solar Power Portfolio to Accelerate the Energy Transition
Jakarta, August 20, 2026 – PT PLN Indonesia Power (PLN IP) is strengthening its commitment to expand its solar power portfolio by preparing projects with a total capacity of up to 500 MW. The strategy includes both floating solar power plants and land-based solar power plants. This is part of PLN IP’s efforts to accelerate renewable energy development and support Indonesia’s energy transition.
The commitment was highlighted through PLN IP’s participation in IndoSolar 2026, part of the Indonesia Sustainable Energy Week (ISEW), on Thursday (August 20). The event carried the theme “Unlocking Floating Solar: Harnessing Indonesia’s Reservoir Potential.” PLN Indonesia Power President Director Bernadus Sudarmanta was one of the speakers, discussing the potential, challenges, and opportunities for developing Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) projects in Indonesia.
The event was organized by the Indonesian Solar Energy Association (AESI) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). It brought together various stakeholders to encourage collaboration in developing solar energy in Indonesia. The discussion also featured AESI Deputy Chairman for Policy and Regulation Anthony Utomo, Senior Energy Planner at the Directorate General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (EBTKE) of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Refi Kunaefi, Ministry of Finance State Asset Optimization Analyst Nella Sri Hendriyetty, and Head of Subdirectorate for Region II at the Directorate of Dams and Lakes, Directorate General of Water Resources, Ministry of Public Works.
In his presentation, Bernadus explained that floating solar power plants are not necessarily easier or cheaper to develop than land-based solar power plants. Although floating solar does not require large amounts of land, the need for floaters and anchoring systems can increase investment costs, especially in reservoirs where deeper water requires more complex anchoring systems.
PLN Indonesia Power already has experience in developing floating solar projects, including the 60 MW Saguling Floating Solar Power Plant, which is currently under construction with progress of around 30 percent. PLN IP is also finalizing several other floating solar projects.
This experience shows that developing floating solar power plants is not only about technical and financial aspects. It also requires clear permits and support from local communities. The licensing process involves several ministries and government agencies, including spatial planning approval, power purchase agreements (PPA), environmental approvals and Environmental Impact Assessments (AMDAL), technical recommendations, and the use of state-owned assets. These processes need to be coordinated effectively.
“Developing floating solar power plants requires not only technical and financial readiness, but also clear permits and community support. That is why, from the beginning, we need to validate the location and layout, coordinate with reservoir users and local communities, and build cooperation across ministries so that the licensing process can run more effectively and the projects can be developed successfully,” said Bernadus Sudarmanta.
In addition to licensing, social aspects are also important in developing floating solar projects. Reservoirs are often used for various community activities, such as floating fish cages, fishing, and tourism. Therefore, the location and layout of the solar power plant need to consider existing activities and the interests of reservoir users so that the development can take place in harmony with the local community.
Through its experience in developing floating solar power plants, PLN Indonesia Power continues to promote solar energy development that goes beyond simply increasing power generation capacity. The company also considers economic feasibility, sustainability, community acceptance, and investment certainty.
These efforts are part of PLN Indonesia Power’s contribution to strengthening Indonesia’s renewable energy ecosystem and accelerating the country’s transition toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy system.
