Indonesia’s ministry of energy and mineral resources publishes guideline for designing floating solar power plants

Indonesia’s ambitious clean energy transition just gained a powerful new all not on land, but floating quietly atop its lakes, reservoirs, and dams. With support from the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) has launched an updated Guideline for Planning Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) Power Plants, offering a practical and strategic roadmap for a technology poised to unlock new renewable energy potential without displacing communities or farmland.

This isn’t Indonesia’s first foray into floating solar, but it’s a crucial next step. As the country races to meet its climate goals and diversify its energy mix, solar energy remains one of its most promising yet underutilized resources. Out of a staggering 3,295 gigawatts (GW) of solar potential, only 789 megawatts (MW) have been installed so far a shortfall largely due to land constraints and costly acquisition processes. Floating solar offers a solution that’s as elegant as it is necessary.

“This guideline covers all critical stages of floating solar plant development from site selection and technical design to safety, environmental, social, and financial considerations,” explained Tony Susandy, Technical and Environmental Coordinator of MEMR’s Directorate of Various New and Renewable Energy, at a recent sharing session in Jakarta. “We hope it becomes a primary reference for government bodies, regional authorities, private developers, and financial institutions.”

The guideline itself reflects the latest thinking not only in engineering and energy markets, but in policymaking too. It responds to both domestic realities and global trends, emphasizing rigorous site planning, system safety, and impact mitigation. It also acknowledges sensitive issues like the regulatory complexities around using natural water bodies and protected forest areas and encourages an inclusive, multi-stakeholder approach to resolving them.

Beyond Energy: Building an Enabling Environment

GGGI’s involvement in the project is part of its broader Renewable Energy Accelerated Transition (RE-ACT) initiative, funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It’s an effort aimed at more than just building infrastructure; it seeks to create enabling environments where clean energy can thrive sustainably — by identifying gaps in policy, offering technical solutions, and mobilizing investments. All of this aligns with Indonesia’s target to slash 358 million tons of CO₂ equivalent emissions from its energy sector by 2030.

But there’s another layer of opportunity here: carbon markets. Through its Designing Article 6 Policy Approaches (DAPA) project, GGGI and MEMR are exploring how floating solar installations, particularly on dams managed by the Ministry of Public Works, could generate carbon credits. If approved for international carbon trading, these credits could help finance more clean energy projects while contributing to Indonesia’s climate pledges.

A Rising Tide of Benefits

Floating solar isn’t just an energy story. It’s about job creation, rural electrification, and boosting local economies. It’s about giving communities access to clean, affordable power without sacrificing land needed for farming, housing, or conservation. Successful projects abroad have shown how FSPVs can reduce evaporation from water reservoirs, improve water quality, and increase grid resilience.

Yet Indonesia’s vast archipelago brings its own challenges. The technical demands of anchoring, mooring, and ensuring electrical safety over water require careful planning and specialized design. The newly launched guideline addresses these challenges head on, equipping developers and regulators with the insights needed to build safe, efficient, and sustainable projects.

“We appreciate the various perspectives that have been raised and will consider them carefully in shaping stronger, more inclusive policies moving forward,” Susandy added signaling that while the guideline is an important milestone, it’s also the start of an ongoing dialogue about how best to harness Indonesia’s unique natural assets for a cleaner, more equitable energy future.

As Indonesia pushes ahead in the race against climate change, floating solar power isn’t just a technical fix it’s a symbol of the country’s determination to turn constraints into opportunities, and to lead with innovation where it counts.

source :

https://gggi.org/?p=71689