IESR has launched an RFP to conduct a pre-feasibility study on offshore floating solar in Sulawesi, Indonesia
The study will review techno-economics, regulations, and permits needed to support offshore PV development in the country
IESR pegs the country’s technical OFPV potential at approximately 13.3 TW, distributed across Indonesia’s major islands
Indonesia-based Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) is seeking consultants to carry out a pre-feasibility study for an offshore floating solar PV project in the country’s Sulawesi region.
The institute says it has taken the initiative to conduct the preliminary feasibility study on the development of offshore floating PV (OFPV) in Indonesia, anticipating solar PV will become the backbone of the country’s future power system.
“This initiative is aligned with Government Regulation No. 27/2021 on the Implementation of Marine and Fisheries Affairs, which outlines the criteria and permitting requirements for offshore installations, including power generation infrastructure,” stated IESR.
For the pre-feasibility study, the institute is looking for partners to conduct a techno-economic analysis to determine the preliminary feasibility of developing offshore floating solar PV in Indonesia, with a specific focus on Sulawesi Island.
The document must include recommendations required to enable the implementation of OPV development while offering a comprehensive analysis of relevant regulations and permitting requirements. The expected duration of work is 60 days, between December 2025 and February 2026.
IESR launched the call on November 24, 2025, setting a December 3, 2025, last date for submitting requests for proposal (RFPs).
According to the institute, solar PV technology is expected to play a key role in expanding electricity access in the country, particularly in the frontier, outermost, and remote regions.
While the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) estimates the country’s total solar energy potential at 3.3 TW, distributed across ground-mounted solar PV and rooftops. Another 89.37 GW of solar potential on water bodies, including reservoirs and natural lakes.
IESR pegs the country’s technical OPV potential at approximately 13.3 TW, distributed across Indonesia’s major islands, especially in areas located near the coastline.
Currently, the country operates the 145 MW AC Cirata Floating Solar PV Project (see SE Asia’s Largest Floating Solar Plant Inaugurated). In April 2025, Masdar signed an agreement with Indonesia’s state-owned utility PT PLN to explore the expansion of the Cirata project to 500 MW (see Floating Solar Expansion In Southeast Asian Nations).
In August 2025, IESR called for a comprehensive roadmap for a resilient domestic solar industry referring to the country’s target to achieve up to 108.7 GW of solar capacity under its 2025-2060 National Energy Policy (see Indonesia’s 108.7 GW Solar Goal Needs Industry Plan: IESR).