Masdar, a UAE-based clean energy company, has signed a Joint Study Agreement with Sarawak Energy and Gentari to explore the option of a floating solar power plant at the Murum Hydroelectric Plant in Sarawak, Malaysia. The study will assess the potential for a large-scale floating solar project on the Murum reservoir.
The floating solar plant is expected to complement existing renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectric power, while reducing the need for land that is often used for agriculture, housing, and industry. Floating solar plants also help reduce water evaporation from reservoirs and can work in synergy with hydroelectric operations.
The agreement was signed at Masdar’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi by Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, Datuk Sharbini Suhaili, CEO of Sarawak Energy, and Sushil Purohit, CEO of Gentari. The ceremony was attended by senior officials from Malaysia, including the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Abang Haji Openg, and the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah Bin Haji Yusof.
This floating solar project could help Sarawak Energy achieve its goal of becoming a renewable energy leader in Southeast Asia. Sarawak Energy has already made move in this direction with its Batang Ai floating solar farm, a 25 MW project.
Masdar has also expanded its renewable energy portfolio with projects such as the Noor Abu Dhabi solar farm, a 1,177 MW solar power plant, which is one of the largest single-site solar projects globally. Additionally, Gentari, the clean energy subsidiary of Petronas, is actively developing renewable energy projects in the region. It has also added to the projects in Malaysia, including the 50 MW solar farm in Kedah.
Sarawak Energy continues to focus on renewable energy development. The company operates the Bakun Hydroelectric Plant, which has a capacity of 2,400 MW, and is working on the Limbang Hydroelectric Plant, which will add another 120 MW to its renewable energy mix.
