Construction begins on Karangkates floating solar plant at Indonesian dam

Physical construction has commenced on the 100 megawatt-alternating current (MWac) Karangkates Floating Solar Power Plant at Karangkates Dam in Malang, East Java, Indonesia, marking a new phase in the integration of renewable energy generation with existing water infrastructure.

Perum Jasa Tirta I (PJT I), the state-owned enterprise responsible for managing the dam, attended and supported the start of works at a ceremony held on 10 February at the Gardu Pandang Building in Sumberpucung.

The Karangkates Floating Solar Project is being developed by the PLN Group as part of Indonesia’s renewable energy expansion under the national Net Zero Emissions target and the Green RUPTL power development plan. The 100MWac facility is a joint initiative between PLN Nusantara Renewables, GD Power Hongkong and PJT I, through PT Nusantara Guodian Karangkates Indonesia.

Fahmi Hidayat, president director of PJT I, said the project reflects a broader shift in the utilisation of multi-purpose reservoirs. He stated that the Karangkates Reservoir will continue to serve its primary functions in water resource management while also contributing to national clean energy supply. According to PJT I, integrating floating solar technology into dam infrastructure supports asset optimisation without altering the reservoir’s core operational role.

PJT I emphasised that dam safety and water management functions remain central considerations. The company said that all construction stages will comply with technical safety standards to ensure that flood control, irrigation supply and other water services are not disrupted.

The start of construction was marked by partner presentations, a project progress report and a ceremonial solar panel signing.

The Karangkates project highlights the growing use of floating photovoltaic systems on reservoirs in Indonesia. By utilising existing water surfaces, developers aim to avoid additional land acquisition while potentially reducing surface water evaporation.

PJT I stated that it will continue to support projects that align water resource management with renewable energy development as part of national infrastructure and energy transition objectives.

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