State power utility PT PLN has announced that its floating solar power plant (PLTS) at the Karangkates Reservoir in East Java will commence operations by 2026.

The project, which is a collaboration between PLN and Hong Kong-based energy company GD Power Development, is expected to begin commercial operation within two to three years following the signing of the contract.

"We’ve already signed the contract in 2024, so the operation is expected in 2026-2027," Evy Haryadi, Director of Transmission and System Planning at PLN, saidnduring the Katadata Indonesia Policy Dialogue in Jakarta on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.

In addition to the Karangkates project, PLN is also pushing forward with the development of floating solar power plants at two other reservoirs − Saguling and Singkarak − in partnership with Saudi Arabian company Acwa Power.

These initiatives are part of PLN’s broader strategy to increase Indonesia's renewable energy mix and support the transition to greener energy sources.

Evy said further that PLN is in discussions with the Ministry of Public Works to explore the potential for developing floating solar power plants at smaller reservoirs across the country.

"We are currently conducting feasibility studies. Once everything is clear, we will proceed with the procurement process to determine which projects are feasible," she said.

As part of this effort, the Directorate General of Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (EBTKE) at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has been evaluating 38 reservoirs across Indonesia for potential floating solar projects.

"There are around 38 reservoirs currently under evaluation. They are spread across Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi," Evy said.

The development of floating solar power plants is seen as a key step in enhancing Indonesia's renewable energy capacity, aligning with the country's commitment to increasing the share of green energy in its national energy mix.