The proposed world’s largest floating solar power plant (PLTS) will be built in Batam.
It will consist of 1,600 hectares of solar panels which is estimated to generate up to 2.2 GWp of electricity with an energy storage system capacity of 4,000 MWh.
According to the Jakarta Post, Two MoUs have been signed. The first, an investment worth approximately US$2 billion, was signed by BP Batam chairman Muhammad Rudi and Sunseap Group Pte. Ltd cofounder and CEO Frank Phuan on July 19.
The second, worth US$470 million, was signed with PT Toba Bara Energi on Aug. 12, attended by PT Toba Bara Energi director Dimas Adi, PT Toba Bara Energi commissioner Nizar Rachman, BP Batam chairman Muhammad Rudi, BP Batam vice chairman Purwiyanto, BP Batam administration member Wahjoe Triwidijo Koentjoro and BP Batam investment and area management member Sudirman Saad.
On Duriangkang Dam which is Batam’s largest dam, SunSeap Group will build the floating solar park and establish the company’s academy to serve as a recruitment and training facility for the solar park. The project will begin in 2022 and is expected to be completed in 2024, with more than 3,000 local workers involved.
Another solar park will be built by PT Toba Bara Energi in Tembesi Dam, with a potential generating capacity of 333 MWp.
Why Floating Solar?
There are many benefits of floating solar parks compared to those built on land :
- Obviously, it doesn’t take up valuable space on land, which is scarce
- It helps to maintain water levels and reduce evaporation.
- The water helps cool down the solar panel temperature for increased efficiency
- Algae bloom; the shade that the floating solar panels produce can help reduce the presence of algae that blooms which will protect the water resources.
- Since it is built on water, maintenance is easier as there is less pollution such as dust
- It can be turned into a tourist spot to increase revenue
- Tourist spot: the neatly arranged PV arrays are a scenic spots, attracting many tourists and bringing tourist benefits.
- Since it is on open water, there is no shade issues as it can prevent shade from trees, mountains or buildings.
