Jakarta, September 12, 2025 – The growth of renewable energy in Indonesia continues to show a positive trend. One technology that is now gaining attention is Floating Solar Power Plants (FSPPs). This technology is considered capable of addressing land constraints while providing innovative solutions for solar energy utilization.
Praptono Adhi Sulistomo, Coordinator of Investment and Cooperation for New and Renewable Energy, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, said that based on data from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, there are 257 dams in Indonesia with a floating solar power plant potential of 14,701 MWp. This potential is divided into 187 existing dams with a capacity of 8,787 MWp, 53 newly completed dams with a potential of 4,213 MWp, 8 dams under construction with a potential of 546 MWp, and 11 new dams with a potential of 1,154 MWp. These figures show a great opportunity to promote floating solar power plants as one of the backbones of Indonesia’s clean energy.
“Some of the advantages of floating solar power plant technology include higher efficiency due to lower panel temperatures when above water, reduced water evaporation in reservoirs or lakes, which is beneficial for conservation, and installation flexibility that allows for large capacities in areas not used for other activities. However, technical challenges remain, such as resistance to strong winds, high humidity, and electrical system maintenance in aquatic environments,“ Adhi emphasized during panel session 3A titled ”Accelerating Floating Solar PV: Policy, Technology, and Implementation” at the Indonesia Solar Summit (ISS) 2025, organized by the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) on Thursday (11/9).
Anindita Satria, Vice President of Energy Transition and Sustainability at PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), stated that the experience of constructing the Cirata Floating Solar Power Plant provided many valuable lessons. The project was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic but was eventually resumed and is now operational. One of the main challenges was the licensing process, which required 13 different permits. Meanwhile, the construction phase was relatively shorter, taking about one year.
“From the construction of the Cirata Floating Solar PV, there are several important lessons that can be learned, such as the need for close collaboration between parties, from the government, investors, PLN, to the local community, and that the licensing process needs to be simplified so as not to slow down project development,” said Anindita.
Norasikin Ahmad Ludin, Director of the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), said that at the ASEAN level, Indonesia ranks first in terms of floating solar power potential thanks to its vast territory and numerous dams that can be utilized. Floating solar power plant technology is an innovative solution in promoting energy transition in Southeast Asia, enabling maximum utilization of renewable energy without having to compete with land use needs.
“Several countries in ASEAN have shown their commitment to developing floating solar power plants, such as Indonesia with the Cirata Floating Solar Power Plant and the Philippines with the Malubog Reservoir Floating Solar Power Plant in Cebu. Despite the vast potential, the large-scale implementation of floating solar power plants needs to rely on supportive policies and infrastructure,” said Norasikin.
Meanwhile, Dwi Cahya Agung, Coordinator of the Electricity System Transition at IESR, said that the government, through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, had issued comprehensive guidelines for floating solar power plants in 2024, covering various technical and financial aspects that need to be considered in their development. One important aspect that needs to be prioritized is the utilization of water bodies, with an economically viable potential of 38.13 GW of floating solar power plants in 226 water body locations that can be developed based on IESR’s initial study.
