HydroWing sets in motion plans for first tidal energy plant in Indonesia

HydroWing, part of Inyanga Marine Energy Group, has secured a binding agreement with a PLN Subholding, the Indonesian state-owned owner of the national grid, to advance plans for Indonesia’s first 10 MW tidal current power plant in East Nusa Tenggara in the Indonesian archipelago.

HydroWing previously joined forces with PLN (Perusahaan Listrik Negara) following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in 2022 to accelerate tidal energy deployment across Indonesia. 

This partnership has now selected East Nusa Tenggara as the project site after a comprehensive review of the country’s most promising tidal energy locations, noted Inyanga Marine Energy Group.

”Indonesia is seen as a prime market for our innovative tidal energy technology. Indonesia has amongst the best tidal potential in the world due to the throughflow of marine current from the Pacific Ocean to the Indian Ocean,” said Richard Parkinson, CEO of Inyanga Marine Energy Group.

“There is also a funnel effect between the islands of the archipelago, which strengthens the tidal energy potential still further. This pilot project at East Nusa Tenggara will be pivotal for us and our local partners to move rapidly towards significant commercial scale projects in the Indonesia archipelago.”

According to Inyanga Marine Energy Group, PLN Subholding will carry out bathymetric surveys, ADCP measurements, sediment sampling, and interconnection impact studies, while HydroWing will conduct feasibility and technology studies, outline the project timeline, and create operational and maintenance plans. Both companies will coordinate licensing and oversee social and environmental assessments.

Jean-Christophe Allo, Commercial Manager at Inyanga Marine Energy Group, added: “This exciting new project builds on our success in South East Asia. Earlier this year, we were awarded the contract to build South East Asia’s first tidal energy plant at Capul in the Philippines and now we are thrilled to develop the first tidal energy plant in Indonesia at East Nusa Tenggara. This innovative project will contribute to the region’s transition to Net Zero, delivering energy security with affordable, 24/7 and renewable energy.”

HydroWing is described as a simple, cost-effective method for generating tidal stream energy. It consists of a structure that rests on the seabed and ‘wings’ with turbines attached, which are easily lowered into place. These turbines work in both directions, generating power with the incoming and outgoing tides, and are economical to produce in large quantities.

Inyanga Marine Energy Group recently launched a crowdfunding campaign to support the expansion of the patented tidal energy technology, after landing $53 million in major tidal energy projects.

In September, the UK-based tidal energy developer completed hydrodynamic testing of the passive pitch unit for the HydroWing solution, designed to deliver cost-effective tidal energy at scale.