Royal Golden Eagle and TotalEnergies embark on solar project in Indonesia

In Indonesia, Royal Golden Eagle, owned by billionaire Sukanto Tanoto, and French company TotalEnergies have initiated a collaborative effort to establish a significant solar power project aimed at enhancing renewable energy supply. This project, announced recently, will primarily be implemented through their joint venture named Singa Renewables, which will handle the development, construction, and operation of the facility. The planned solar power plant will be located in Riau Province and is set to incorporate a battery energy storage system, managing the intermittent nature of solar energy production. This initiative is designed not only to serve local green industrial estates within Riau but also to facilitate the export of electricity to Singapore, promoting energy connectivity in the region. Imelda Tanoto, Managing Director of RGE, expressed that this project represents a significant step towards enhancing regional cooperation and supporting the broader energy transition in Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, Helle Kristoffersen, President for Asia at TotalEnergies, emphasized the company’s commitment to fostering energy security while contributing to sustainable energy initiatives. In September of the previous year, Singa Renewables obtained conditional approval from the Energy Market Authority of Singapore to export one gigawatt of solar-generated electricity, indicating a forward trajectory for renewable energy alternatives and market integration. The companies have not revealed a completion timeline for this project, leaving energy stakeholders curious about future developments. Sukanto Tanoto’s involvement is notable as he is recognized as one of Indonesia’s wealthiest individuals, leading a diversified conglomerate with significant stakes in various sectors, including energy. As this project unfolds and is executed in phased development, it is anticipated to significantly impact energy availability and environmental sustainability in both Indonesia and Singapore, reflecting a growing trend towards renewable energy collaborations across borders. The ambitious nature of this solar power project highlights the urgency and importance of advancing energy transformations in response to climate challenges regionally and globally, aligning public interest with private sector innovation.