PLN Tenders 1.2 GW Mentari Nusantara I Solar Project Across Indonesia
Indonesia is making a significant stride in its renewable energy journey as the state-owned electric utility, PLN, has officially launched a tender for the Mentari Nusantara I solar power project. This ambitious initiative aims to develop a massive 1,225 MW (1.2 GW) of solar capacity, strategically distributed across multiple regions of the archipelago.
Project Distribution Across the Nation: An Indonesia solar project tender
The Mentari Nusantara I project is designed as a nationwide effort to harness solar energy, with capacity allocated to bolster grids and drive sustainable development from west to east. The planned distribution for the 1.2 GW of solar power is as follows:
- Java: 600 MW
- Kalimantan: 340 MW
- Maluku and Papua: 120 MW
- West Nusa Tenggara: 80 MW
- Sulawesi: 50 MW
- Sumatra: 35 MW
This strategic allocation ensures that the benefits of clean energy are spread throughout the country, with the densely populated island of Java set to receive the largest portion of the new capacity.
‘Giga One’: An Innovative Procurement Approach
To facilitate a project of this scale, PLN is utilizing an integrated procurement scheme called ‘Giga One’. This innovative approach is designed to streamline development and enhance investment appeal by bundling multiple projects into a single, comprehensive package. The key advantages of the ‘Giga One’ scheme include:
- Promoting Economies of Scale: Aggregating projects allows for bulk procurement and optimized logistics, driving down costs.
- Providing Investor Certainty: The scheme offers a clear and measurable framework, giving investors and developers greater confidence in the project’s viability and execution.
Timeline and Context
The tender for this landmark project was officially launched on April 30, 2026, with a target commercial operation date set for 2029. While the closing date for proposal submissions has not yet been published, the timeline indicates a clear commitment to fast-tracking this crucial development.
The Mentari Nusantara I project represents a monumental leap for Indonesia’s solar sector. It comes at a pivotal time, as the country surpassed the 1 GW milestone for the first time in 2025, reaching a total installed capacity of 1.49 GW. This new 1.2 GW tender will nearly double the nation’s existing solar capacity, firmly cementing its commitment to a sustainable energy transition and its role as a growing leader in Southeast Asia’s renewable energy landscape.
