Floating Solar Accelerates Indonesia's Green Future: PowerChina Pioneers Innovation-Driven Growth

Indonesia, an archipelago of over 17,000 islands, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and abundant natural resources. Now, in the heart of West Java, a groundbreaking renewable energy project is reshaping the landscape of sustainable development. The CIRATA FLOATING SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER PLANT IN INDONESIA, constructed by PowerChina, stands as a national milestone in Indonesia’s transition toward clean energy. Spanning the Cirata Reservoir, its 13 solar arrays shimmer on the water's surface, becoming a symbol of technological innovation and global cooperation.

CIRATA FLOATING SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER PLANT IN INDONESIA

Co-constructing A Landmark Project in Indonesia's Renewable Energy Transition

The CIRATA FLOATING SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER PLANT is Indonesia's first and Southeast Asia's largest floating solar project. It is also the world's deepest floating solar installation under construction. Developed through a collaboration between Indonesia’s state-owned electricity provider PLN and Masdar of the UAE, with PowerChina Huadong Engineering Corporation Limited as the EPC contractor, the plant boasts a total installed capacity of 192 MWp. In November 2023, it successfully achieved full-grid connection, marking a pivotal step in Indonesia’s renewable energy journey.

On-grid Ceremony of the CIRATA FLOATING SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER PLANT

At the on-grid ceremony, Indonesian President Joko Widodo described the achievement as a breakthrough moment, stating that "Indonesia's dream of having a large-scale renewable energy project has finally come true. We will continue to explore renewable energy sources to achieve our net-zero emissions goal."

Currently, the plant accounts for 25 percent of Indonesia's renewable energy generation. With an annual output of 300GWh, it supplies clean electricity to approximately 50,000 households. The project is expected to save 117,000 tons of standard coal annually while significantly reducing emissions of 214,000 tons of carbon dioxide, 82,000 tons of coal dust, 9,000 tons of sulfur dioxide, and 4,500 tons of nitrogen oxides respectively each year.

Overcoming Challenges Through Innovation and Expertise

The surfacing sections of the floating solar farm consists of 13 PV arrays, each spanning approximately 430 meters in length and 230 meters in width, integrating 48 sub-arrays and over 28,000 PV panels. As PowerChina’s largest and most technically challenging floating PV project to date, its development required overcoming multiple engineering obstacles.

PV arrays composed by over 28,000 PV panels

The underwater terrain presented significant challenges, necessitating extensive geological surveys to ensure stability. Engineers designed an advanced anchoring system that combines metal shear keys with concrete anchor blocks, allowing the floating arrays to remain secure despite fluctuations in water levels. This innovation ensured the successful installation of the anchoring system, preventing structural drift.

Wind conditions on the reservoir posed another challenge, with high-speed gusts threatening the integrity of the solar arrays. To counter this, PowerChina’s technical team optimized the panel arrangement and design through wind tunnel testing and numerical simulations, strengthening the system’s ability to withstand extreme weather conditions.

The success of this project underscores PowerChina's leadership in green infrastructure and highlights the role of cutting-edge technology in accelerating the global energy transition.

Empowering Local Communities Through Knowledge, Opportunity and Responsibility

Beyond technological achievement, PowerChina has embedded a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility throughout the project. From the outset, the company implemented localized workforce development, ensuring that 1,000 local workers received specialized training in floating solar operations. Even after the project's completion, these skilled professionals are now equipped to continue in operations and maintenance roles or seek employment in other renewable energy projects, enhancing local economic resilience.

The project department organized various technical training programs.

Community engagement has been a core focus, with PowerChina actively contributing to education and social development initiatives. The company has launched knowledge-sharing programs, skills training workshops, and internship opportunities for university students, fostering the next generation of energy professionals. Additionally, donations of essential supplies and participation in local cultural initiatives have strengthened ties with the surrounding communities. These efforts have not only reinforced goodwill but also created lasting social impact, earning widespread recognition from local stakeholders.

All kinds of competitions

The success of the CIRATA FLOATING SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER PLANT IN INDONESIA is a testament to the power of international collaboration in advancing clean energy solutions. By championing open, inclusive, and sustainable economic development, PowerChina is positioning itself as a key player in global infrastructure and renewable energy transformation.

"Chase the light, believe in the light, and become the light." The "light chasers" of PowerChina remain unwavering in their mission. Undeterred by challenges, they continue forging new paths toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. (Text by Zheng Siwen and photos via PowerChina)