Gajah Mungkur Floating Solar Plant Construction Begins, Targeting 2027 Operation

Construction of the Gajah Mungkur Floating Solar Power Plant (PLTS) in Wonogiri Regency, Central Java, has officially begun. The strategic project is projected to generate approximately 218 GWh of electricity per year when it commences operations in late 2027.

The project’s groundbreaking was carried out simultaneously with the launch of the national 100 GWp Solar Power Programme led by President Prabowo Subianto from Bali on Tuesday (25/8). The Gajah Mungkur PLTS is one of 14 solar power sites with a total capacity of 5.2 gigawatt peak (GWp) launched in the initial phase of the energy independence programme.

Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi stated that the Gajah Mungkur Floating Solar Plant is one of the largest in his region, with a capacity reaching 134 megawatt peak (MWp). Investment for the construction of this green energy infrastructure is estimated at around Rp1.6 trillion.

“When operational, its electricity production will be equivalent to 37 percent of Wonogiri Regency’s annual electricity needs. This is a priority for Central Java to reduce dependence on fossil energy,” said Luthfi while attending the event in Wonogiri.

General Manager of PT PLN Central Java Distribution Unit (UID), Bramantyo Anggun Pambudi, explained that electricity transmission will be carried out through a 150 kilovolt network to the Nguntoronadi Substation. As it is connected to the Java-Madura-Bali interconnection network, the benefits of this electricity can be widely felt, not limited to the area around the reservoir.

From an environmental and social perspective, the solar panel area will only occupy less than 5 percent of the total area of the Gajah Mungkur Reservoir, which spans 5,600 hectares. The panel layout has been adjusted so as not to disrupt the activities of fishermen or local communities. Additionally, the project is expected to absorb 150 to 250 local workers during the construction period.

Nationally, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia stated that the 100 GWp Solar Power Programme requires a total investment of approximately US$73 billion. This ambitious programme is targeted by President Prabowo to be completed within three years to strengthen national energy security while creating millions of new jobs.