UAE – Mubasher: The Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) has signed strategic agreements for new renewable energy projects in Indonesia, bolstering the nation's energy transition endeavours.

The agreements underscore the enduring collaboration between the UAE and Indonesia in advancing the renewable energy sector in the region, while meeting Indonesia's present and future energy demands, according to a press release.

The signing of these agreements, on the sidelines of the 10th World Water Forum in Bali, was witnessed by Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, the UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, and Special Envoy for His Highness the Minister of Foreign Affairs to Indonesia.

Among the agreements is a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Pertamina Power Indonesia for developing solar, wind, and green hydrogen projects within Indonesia and beyond.

This agreement expands upon Masdar's existing partnership with Pertamina Geothermal Energy, marking a significant stride in fortifying the strategic ties between Masdar and Pertamina Power Indonesia.

Additionally, Masdar sealed a joint development study agreement with PLN Nusantara Power for Cirata Phase II, with plans to triple its capacity to up to 500 megawatts (MW).

This move comes after the successful launch of the initial 145 MW phase of the innovative floating photo voltaic (PV) project in 2023, the largest of its kind in the region.

In line with promoting the energy transition in urban settings, Masdar received approval to progress in developing up to two gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy in Nusantara, commencing with a 200-MW phase.

This initiative aligns with Masdar's proposal to address the energy needs of Indonesia's new capital city by 2045, leveraging solar and wind projects.

“The UAE and Indonesia share a vision of sustainable development with renewable energy at its heart. We are pleased to see this partnership advancing clean, emissions-free energy in Indonesia and abroad,” Al Mazrouei said.

He added: “The UAE commends Indonesia's climate leadership as we progress together towards a new era of sustainable prosperity, supporting communities with their net-zero ambitions, in line with the priority of the historic UAE Consensus to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030.”

For his part, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, stated: “The UAE remains firmly committed to advancing Indonesia's energy sector through a focus on renewables. In line with the UAE Consensus reached at COP28, Masdar is dedicated to forging partnerships that unlock transformative solutions for clean energy access.”

“Our joint efforts will catalyse investments in green hydrogen, solar and wind to position Indonesia as a regional leader in the global energy transition,” Al Ramahi added.

Masdar is making significant investments in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, developing the region's largest floating solar facility, the 145 MW Cirata Floating Solar PV plant, which can power 50,000 homes.

The company also entered the geothermal energy sector in February 2023 through an investment in Pertamina Geothermal Energy.

With plans to reach a renewable energy portfolio capacity of 100 GW by 2030, Masdar aligns with the UAE Consensus goal of tripling global renewables capacity by the end of the decade. Additionally, Masdar aims to become a leading green hydrogen producer by 2030.