Enhancing Clean Energy Capacity: PLN Nusantara Renewables and GD Power Hong Kong Sign Letter of Intent for Karangkates 100 MW Floating Solar Power Plant
Jakarta, August 13, 2024 – In a strategic move to accelerate Indonesia’s energy transition and boost its clean energy capacity, PT PLN (Persero), PLN Nusantara Renewables (PLN NR), and GD Power Hong Kong have officially signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) for the development of the 100 MW Karangkates Floating Solar Power Plant. The signing ceremony, held at the PLN Headquarters Auditorium in Jakarta, marks a pivotal moment in both companies' efforts to deliver sustainable and innovative energy solutions.
Building on its successes with the 145 MWac Cirata Floating PV Power Plant and the 35 MWac Tembesi Floating Solar Power Plant, PLN NR continues to strengthen its renewable energy initiatives. This collaboration with GD Power Hong Kong underscores Indonesia’s commitment to leveraging its abundant renewable energy resources, addressing global climate challenges, and accelerating its transition toward a greener energy future.
“Energy transition is the bridge connecting our past, present, and future,” said Darmawan Prasodjo, President Director of PLN, in his opening remarks. “This journey cannot be rushed. It must be approached collaboratively and sustainably. PLN is currently redesigning its development strategy to deliver affordable clean energy that supports economic growth, creates jobs, and improves societal well-being.”
Floating solar power plant has been chosen for this collaboration due to its numerous environmental and operational benefits. These include optimal land use, enhanced water efficiency, reduced reservoir evaporation, and the protection of aquatic ecosystems. This technology reflects Indonesia’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and achieving its renewable energy mix targets, offering not only efficiency but also environmental sustainability.
Representing GD Power Hong Kong, Zhao Zhigang, President Director of PT Shenhua Guohua Pembangkitan Jawa Bali (SGPJB), expressed his appreciation for the partnership between PLN and CHN Energy. “The success of this project is rooted in the support of all stakeholders—PLN and its subsidiaries, local governments, and the surrounding communities. We are committed to operating transparently, fostering mutual benefits, and ensuring active engagement at every stage of this development,” he remarked.
Harjono, President Director of PLN Nusantara Renewables, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to advancing Indonesia’s renewable energy sector. “PLN Nusantara Renewables remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the growth of renewable energy. The Karangkates Floating Solar Power Plant represents another concrete step toward achieving the national renewable energy mix targets while simultaneously driving job creation and supporting local economic growth,” he noted.
The signing of the LoI represents an essential first step in further exploring the technical, commercial, and operational aspects of developing the Karangkates Floating Solar Power Plant. Both parties are optimistic that this project will soon be realized and serve as a successful model of international collaboration in the renewable energy sector.
Bandung Barat, December 9, 2024 – With gratitude, PLN Nusantara Renewables (PLN NR) officially inaugurated a drilled water well at Quratul’Ain Al Ash’Ary Islamic Boarding School, Ciroyom Village, Cipeundeuy Sub-District, Bandung Barat. Located within the operating area of Cirata Floating PV Power Plant, this initiative serves as a clear demonstration of PLN NR’s commitment to support the welfare of the community around the company’s operational area, especially in fulfilling the needs of access to clean water in of hard-to-reach area.This project was successfully carried out thanks to cooperation with the Shaf Foundation, a non-governmental organization (NGO) that focuses on the fulfillment of clean water needs in various mosques and Islamic boarding schools in Indonesia. The drilling commenced on October 20, 2024, and encountered various challenges due to the rocky soil contours which frequently interfere with equipment, resulting in extended working hours. However, thanks to the team’s hard work, aquifer with optimal water discharge was found at a depth of 56 meters and the water well was completed on November 14, 2024. In practice, the supply of clean water is not only utilized by the students and administrators of the boarding school, but also for hundreds of families in the surrounding community.In his opening speech, Harjono as the President Director of PLN NR stated, “Environmental sustainability and community empowerment is an important foundation of PLN NR business process. With this drilled water well, we hope to provide the community with easy access to clean water, while also contributing to improved welfare, health, and productivity. Hopefully this small contribution will be the first step for a bigger and better improvement for the community around Cirata Floating PV Power Plant.The Quratul’Ain al-Ash’Ary Islamic Boarding School, which has been a center for education and social activities in the region, warmly welcomed the initiative. The Principal of boarding school, Sulaeman, expressed his gratitude and appreciation, “This water well not only alleviates the burden on our school, but also serves as a blessing for the surrounding community, who previously had to rely on water from murky rice fields, potentially contaminated with pesticides." This project reinforces the mission of PLN Nusantara Renewables to not only deliver environmentally friendly renewable energy but also provide tangible benefits for the lives of people around its operational area
Jakarta, November 13, 2024 – one year has passed since former President Joko Widodo inaugurated the Cirata Floating PV Power Plant, one of the National Strategic Projects hailed by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) as a symbol of accelerating Indonesia’s energy transition. Until today, this floating solar power held the title as the largest in Southeast Asia and the third largest in the World and is still undisputed. With more than 340,000 solar panels installed, Cirata Floating PV Power Plant serves as a vital component in supporting the production of clean energy in Cirata Reservoir. The advantage of electricity production during the dry season make the solar power a crucial solution in addressing the reduced water discharge challenges faced by Cirata Hydropower. Since operating commercially on November 13, 2023, until now, the Cirata Floating PV Power Plant has produced over 267 GWh of green electricity to the Java, Madura, and Bali (JAMALI) systems.Built on a challenging location with a water depth of 100 meters, muddy bottom, and slope of up to 45 degrees, the accomplishment of constructing Cirata Floating PV Power Plant has become a key reference point in the development of design, technology, regulation, and guidelines for various renewable energy stakeholders in Indonesia. Additionally, 1,400 skilled workers trained in the installation and construction of this floating solar power plant are ready to contribute to similar projects in the future. In fact, Cirata Floating PV Power Plant holds significant potential for the future of Indonesia's electricity sector." Currently, the plant managed by PT PMSE only occupies around 4% of the total area of Cirata Reservoir. In fact, according to the Regulation of the Minister of Public Works and Housing of the Republic of Indonesia Number 7 of 2023, it is mentioned that up to 20% of the surface of the Reservoir can be used for floating solar power plant. This was the basis for the signing of the Joint Development study Agreement between PLN Nusantara Power and Masdar to increase the capacity of this plant.Harjono, President Director of PLN Nusantara Renewables, expressed his appreciation to all parties involved in accelerating the energy transition through the Cirata Floating PV Power Plant project. He hopes that this initiative can jumpstart the move to achieve the net zero emissions target in Indonesia. “PLN Nusantara Renewables is committed to continue to drive innovation and investment in renewable energy. We hope that the Cirata Floating PV Power Plant can inspire similar projects, bringing Indonesia closer to the target of net zero emission in 2060, paving a way for a greener future for future generations,” Harjono said.
Jakarta, October 30-31, 2024 – PLN Nusantara Renewables once again demonstrated its commitment in preserving the environment. This time, the commitment is exemplified through the Environmental Social Responsibility (TJSL) program, which emphasizes education on environmental sustainability." The program entitled “Sustainable Green School” intended to invite the students of SDN Kebasan 03 Pagi and SDN Ragunan 14 Pagi to learn about techniques for making biopore, as well as their benefits for the environment.Biopore is a 10-30 cm diameter hole containing organic waste which is inserted into the soil to improve water absorption. Through its simple technology, biopore is recognized for its ability to expand water absorption area up to 40 times, significantly reducing the risk of flooding. Additionally, biopore provides numerous other benefits, including reducing organic waste and improving soil fertility. Through this activity, PLN Nusantara Renewables aims to nurture elementary students into becoming agents of environmental change. The company wishes to inspire students to realize that their move to save the environment can start with small things; from the place closest to them.This program starts with a counseling session for students, covering topics such as: Understanding biopore, their benefits, how they work, and the process to make them. Next, the students are invited to exercise the lessons taught through on-hand practice in the school grounds. As a part of the initiative, PLN Nusantara Renewables also donated the tools to make biopore to ensure the sustainability of this program in the future.PLN Nusantara Renewables President Director, Harjono, stated, “Children are the next generation with a crucial role in protecting the environment. Through this program, we hope to develop their understanding and love for the earth, so to inspire the establishment of a more robust steps to slow climate change and reduce its impact in Indonesia.”This CSR program is in line with PLN Nusantara Renewables’ vision to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s), in particular goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and goal 13 (Climate Action). Through innovative and sustainable CSR programs like this, PLN Nusantara Renewables hopes to keep contributing in creating a healthier, greener, and sustainable environment for future generations.
Jakarta, October 11, 2024 – Jawa 7 Power Plant (PLTU) is awarded with the Subroto Award in the category of Safety, Engineering, and Environmental Protection by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) of the Republic of Indonesia. This 2 x 1,000 MW power plant proudly received the highest accolade in the PLTU Thermal Electricity Safety category for facilities with >200 MW, during a prestigious ceremony held at the Grand Ballroom of the Kempinski Hotel. Subroto Award is the highest award granted by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral resources of the Republic of Indonesia to stakeholders who have demonstrated exceptional performance in advancing the Energy and Mineral Resources sector in Indonesia. With this award, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources recognizes the performance of the PLTU Jawa 7 in the implementation of work safety and health, mitigation of disruption and failure of operations, energy transition supporting activities, as well as its CSR activities. The award was held to celebrate the Mining and Energy Day 79 and was attended by President Joko Widodo. In his speech, he said, “The Energy and Mineral Resources sector has a very strategic value and enormous potential, it is a sector which provides a large multiplier effect to the national economy. The added value must be obtained domestically in the country. Regulations must be simplified to attract investment to our country, to open employment opportunities, and therefore improving our competitiveness with other countries.” The PLTU Jawa 7 is the result of a collaborative investment between China Shenhua energy Company, Ltd. PT PLN Nusantara Renewables. With the commence of operation in 2019, the plant has pioneered the usage of Ultra Super critical (USC) technology which improves its production efficiency by 15% compared to non-USC power plants, with much lower emissions. Zhao Zhigang, President Director of PT SGPJB said that the PLTU Jawa 7 will improve their effort in providing a safe, reliable, economical, clean, and environmentally friendly electricity supply, while also supporting government initiatives to achieve Indonesia's sustainable development goals." PT SGPJB is also one recipient company for Technical Approval of Emission Ceilings for Business Actors (PTBAE-PU) Phase 1 of Carbon Trading Roadmap (2023-2024). “We also appreciate the support and active participation of PT Shenhua Guohua Pembangkitan Jawa Bali, as the management of PLTU Jawa 7, for their contribution to the Indonesian Government’s program in reducing global emissions,” said Jisman Hutajulu, Director General of Electricity, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. Harjono, President Director of PLN Nusantara Renewables, expressed his appreciation to PT SGPJB, stating that he is proud of the PLTU Jawa 7 which has consistently demonstrating brilliant performance, He added, “this award is a testament to our commitment in providing environmentally friendly and high-quality energy to the people of Indonesia. We shall remain committed to collaborate with strategic partners to ensure the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of the PLTU Jawa 7 operations. This achievement is not just a milestone for our company but also a significant step toward Indonesia’s cleaner and more reliable energy future.
Innovative Leadership Behind Cirata Floating PV Power Plant Earns 2024 Dharma Karya Utama Award from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Jakarta, October 10, 2024 – The Cirata Floating PV Power Plant continues to garner accolades in 2024, reaffirming its position as a landmark project in renewable energy. Following its recognition at the Lestari Awards 2024 in the Renewable Energy category last August, the individuals driving this Southeast Asia's largest solar project have now been honored with the Dharma Karya Utama Award. This prestigious recognition from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) highlights their contributions to advancing renewable energy in Indonesia. The award was presented during the 79th Mining and Energy Anniversary celebration in Jakarta to three key figures behind the National Strategic Project: Harjono, President Director of PLN Nusantara Renewables (previously Vice President of Project Management at PLN Nusantara Power, 2021–2023), and Dimas Kaharudin, President Director of PT PJB Masdar Solar Energi. Their leadership and innovative approaches have brought about significant advancements in Indonesia’s renewable energy landscape, furthering the nation’s sustainable development goals. Receiving the Dharma Karya Utama Award involved a comprehensive evaluation process, including nomination, proposal submission, and field verification to assess the project’s impact, novelty, and long-term viability. Expressing his gratitude, Harjono, now the President Director of PLN Nusantara Renewables, said, “We are deeply honored to be part of a project that not only contributes to national energy resilience but also elevates Indonesia’s position as a renewable energy pioneer in Southeast Asia.” Dimas Kaharudin, who leads PT PMSE in managing the Cirata Floating PV Power Plant, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We extend our deepest gratitude to every team member involved, from the early stages of development through construction and operations. The challenges we encountered were formidable—ranging from technical design complexities to adapting to the unique characteristics of the aquatic environment. However, with strong coordination and cross-disciplinary collaboration, we successfully overcame these hurdles.”
