Masdar, a clean energy company from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) based in Abu Dhabi, has expressed its commitment to increase investment in Indonesia.
Abdulaziz Alobaidli, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Masdar,said the auction process for new projects in Indonesia with State power utility PT PLN is ongoing.
“At least, in one of the projects auctioned by PLN, we are one of those shortlisted, and are currently in the clarification stage with the procurement party,” Abdulaziz said as quoted by Antara on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
Masdar was selected for the new project due to the company’s success in developing the Cirata Floating Solar Power Plant (PLTS) project, in the Cirata Reservoir, West Java.
Currently, the 200-hectare (ha) Floating PLTS produces 192 MWp of green energy with 13 solar panel islands that can generate electricity to be distributed to more than 50,000 homes.
Abdulaziz hopes to expand investment in Indonesia for new renewable energy projects. Previously, Masdar and PLN Nusantara Power (PLN NP) agreed to study the potential for increasing the capacity of environmentally friendly power plants.
In addition, PLN and Masdar signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the development of energy business for the international market.
PLN President Director, Darmawan Prasodjo, said that through cooperation with Masdar, PLN will study the exploration of additional installed capacity for the Cirata Floating PLTS. This opportunity is very large because only 4 percent of the maximum 20 percent of the lake’s surface area is utilized.
Abdulaziz said Indonesia would remain a renewable energy hub in the Southeast Asia region, despite having various investments with Indonesia’s neighboring countries.
In addition, Masdar received a Letter to Proceed (LtP) in the Government Cooperation with Business Entities (KPBU) for renewable energy in the Archipelago, East Kalimantan from the Indonesian Capital Authority (OIKN). Masdar currently holds a 15 percent stake in PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk (PGE).
Meanwhile, Masdar is conducting a feasibility study for wind power plants (PLTB) and the potential for building hydroelectric power plants (PLTA) with a pumped storage system or pumping water to a higher reservoir when there is excess electricity. However, the potential for wind power plants is difficult to develop due to the complex topography.
