JAKARTA: Central Java has started the construction of Gajah Mungkur floating solar farm in Wonogiri regency worth Rp 1.6 trillion (US$9.03 million), with a capacity of 134.2 megawatts peak (MWp), or 100 megawatts alternating current (MWac).
The Gajah Mungkur floating photovoltaic (FPV) system is one of the strategic projects in a national programme to develop 100 GWp in three years. Targeted to start operations in 2027, the floating solar farm is projected to produce some 218 gigawatt-hour (GWh) per year.
The solar farm development was designed with consideration for Gajah Mungkur Dam’s functions and nearby public activities.
The total area of the solar cells will be less than 5 per cent of the dam’s total area of 5,600 hectares.
Solar cell placement is also prepared by calculating changes in water level and preserving residents’ and fishermen’s transport routes. Gas-fired power plant operations director at PT PLN Indonesia Power, Daniel Eliawardhana, said currently preparation and construction technical aspects were ongoing.
“The floating solar farm is expected to be operational by the end of 2027 producing 134 MWp,” he said.
The Gajah Mungkur FPV system is not the only solar power project being carried out in Central Java. The government also plans to construct a floating solar farm in Kedung Ombo Dam with a capacity of 100 MWac while Karimunjawa Islands is preparing a floating solar farm with a capacity of about 7.4 MW.
The groundbreaking for Gajah Mungkur floating solar farm was held together with the launch of the 100GWp solar farm program led by President Prabowo Subianto in Bali on Aug 25.
In Wonogiri, the ceremony was attended by Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi, regional officials, state utility PLN, the water resource manager and project developer.
“For Central Java, the project marks a shift from fossil fuel to clean energy while at the same time strengthening electricity supply for industries, households and economic activities in the province,” Luthfi said.
With a production of 218 GWh per year, Gajah Mungkur floating solar farm will supply some 37 per cent of Wonogiri regency’s yearly electricity needs. PLN main distribution unit general manager for Central Java Bramantyo Anggun Pambudi said electricity from the floating solar farm would be distributed through the 150-kilovolt transmission network to Nguntoronadi main power station, some 11.7km away.
“Once the electricity enters the Java-Madura-Bali interconnection system, the electricity can be sent to various areas connected to the network,” he said.
“The electricity can be channeled to all areas inside the interconnection system.”
This means solar energy collected on the surface of Gajah Mungkur Dam will support numerous economic activities in various regions in Java and Bali. Construction requires between 150 and 250 workers, which will be recruited from the local community through contractors. - The Jakarta Post/ANN
