The Top 5 Largest Solar Projects In South East Asia

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) stands out as a hub of economic growth, with energy demand surging to keep pace. While global energy demand rose by 16 percent between 2015 and 2021, ASEAN nations experienced a sharper 22 percent rise during the same period. The region’s renewable energy landscape is transforming, led by notable solar projects that reflect its commitment to sustainable development.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), clean energy sources such as wind, solar, modern bioenergy, and geothermal are expected to meet more than one-third of the region’s energy demand by 2035. Further, ASEAN’s energy demand is expected to grow annually by 3 percent until 2030. Member countries aim to meet 35 percent of their energy capacity through renewables by 2025. Presently, ASEAN boasts 28 GW of large utility-scale solar and wind power, contributing 9 percent to the region’s total electricity capacity.

Solar Photovoltaics: A Catalyst for Change

Solar photovoltaics (PV) play a pivotal role renewable energy revolution of Southeast Asia. Abundant sunlight, economic growth, and the rising demand for clean energy drive this shift. Vietnam and the Philippines dominate the solar and wind capacity projections of South-east Asia, contributing 80 percent of the anticipated utility-scale projects. Vietnam leads the pack with its robust operational solar and wind installations.

Below are five exemplary solar projects that highlight the region’s impressive progress in solar energy development.

#1 Dau Tieng Solar Power Plant

Country: Vietnam 

Capacity: 500 MW 

The Dau Tieng Solar PV Park, located in Tay Ninh, Vietnam, is a 500 MW solar power project developed in multiple phases. Construction began in 2018, with the project becoming commercially operational in June 2019.

The power generated by Dau Tieng 1 Solar PV Park is supplied to Vietnam Electricity under a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) at a rate of USD 0.093/kWh, with a contracted capacity of 150 MW. Similarly, Dau Tieng 2 Solar PV Park operates under the same PPA terms, with a contracted capacity of 200 MW. The Dau Tieng 3 phase adds another 150 MW of installed capacity, solidifying the project’s significant contribution to Vietnam’s renewable energy landscape.

#2 Trung Nam Solar PV Park

Country: Vietnam 

Capacity: 450 MW 

The Trung Nam Solar PV Park, a 450 MW ground-mounted solar project, is located in Ninh Thuan, Vietnam. Operational since 2020, it supplies power to Vietnam Electricity under a long-term power purchase agreement. This project plays a vital role in diversifying Vietnam’s energy mix and supports the nation’s goal of achieving 20 percent renewable energy by 2030.

#3 Cirata Floating Solar Power Plant (PLTS)

Country: Indonesia

Capacity: 192 MWp 

The Cirata Floating Solar Power Plant, Southeast Asia’s largest floating solar installation, is located on a 250-hectare area of the Cirata Reservoir in West Java, Indonesia. This 145 MW (192 MWp) facility is Masdar’s first floating PV project and marks its entry into the Southeast Asian renewable energy market.

#4 Solar Philippines Concepcion Solar PV Park

Country: Philippines

Capacity: 150MW

The Solar Philippines Concepcion Solar PV Park, a 150 MW ground-mounted solar project, is located in Central Luzon, Philippines, spanning 150 hectares. Developed and owned by Solar Philippines Tarlac, the project was commissioned in April 2019.

Solar Philippines Power Project Holdings supplied and installed 450,000 PV modules for the site. The power generated is sold to Manila Electric under a 20-year power purchase agreement at a rate of USD 0.058/kWh.

#5 Phitsanulok-EA Solar PV Park

Country: Thailand

Capacity: 133.9 MW 

The Phitsanulok-EA Solar PV Park in Thailand is a 133.92 MW solar power project developed and fully owned by Energy Absolute Public, holding a 100 percent stake. This ground-mounted solar facility spans 732 acres and produces 129,053 MWh of electricity annually.

The generated power is sold to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand through a 10-year power purchase agreement that began in 2016. The contracted capacity for this agreement is 90 MW. One can be sure that once the PPA runs out in 2026, the project will be upgraded with much lower power rates going ahead.

ASEAN Set to Surpass Target

ASEAN member states are progressing towards transparent and supportive energy policies. The target of achieving 35 percent of total operating energy capacity from renewables by 2025 appears both attainable and modest. Currently, ASEAN’s renewable energy capacity stands at 32 percent, comprising hydropower, geothermal, bioenergy, solar, and wind.

To meet this goal, countries of South-East Asia need to complete the 6.3 GW of utility-scale solar and wind projects under construction and add another 10.7 GW by 2025. With over 220 GW of prospective utility-scale solar and wind projects in the pipeline—23 GW of which is expected to become operational by 2025—the region is well-positioned to exceed this target.