Indonesia government to invest $103m for 36 solar projects

The federal government of Indonesia has outlined plans to invest IDR1 trillion ($103m) to develop 36 solar energy projects in the country in 2013.

The country, which currently has 117 solar plants, is keen to increase its count to 153 projects, up from 17 last year. Last year, it had invested IDR700bn ($71.8m), reported Jakarta Globe.

Commenting on the solar portfolio expansion, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources renewable energy director Alihudin Sitompul stated that the government is relying on partnerships to develop the solar plants due to difficult financial and technical constraints.

“So far, our policies regarding the development of solar power plants are already good. However, our partners should be able to decide whether the [solar plant projects] are feasible or not, so that they do not force themselves to do them,” added Sitompul.