When you think of Malaysia, sprawling solar farms might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But brace yourself, because that’s exactly what’s coming. Masdar, the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, has made a bold move into the Malaysian energy scene with a plan that’s nothing short of groundbreaking. They’ve signed a power purchase agreement to launch a massive 200-megawatt floating solar project at the Chereh Dam in Pahang State.

Breaking New Ground

This isn’t just any solar plant. Once it’s operational, it’ll be the biggest floating solar project across Southeast Asia. A major win for Masdar and a significant leap forward for Malaysia’s clean energy goals. It’s a project backed by a consortium that includes local heavyweights like Citaglobal and Tiza Global, with the power purchase agreement inked with Tenaga Nasional Berhad.

The Numbers

Imagine a solar plant sprawling over 950 acres, capable of generating over 300MWp (200MWac). That’s power for more than 100,000 homes. The price tag? A hefty RM850m, around $208 million. It’s a hefty investment, but one that places Masdar as a key player in Malaysia’s quest for a greener energy mix. By 2030, Malaysia wants 35% of its energy to come from renewable sources, and floating solar is expected to play a big part.

Voices of Leaders

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, the CEO of Masdar, couldn’t be prouder. He calls it their largest floating solar project globally and their first in Malaysia. It’s a testament to their expertise and commitment to offering clean energy. Al Ramahi is excited to collaborate with Citaglobal, Tiza Global, and the Malaysian government to push forward the country’s renewable goals.

And Tan Sri Dr. Mohamad Norza Zakaria from Citaglobal echoes this enthusiasm. He sees the project as a symbol of their enduring commitment to sustainable energy infrastructure in Malaysia. He’s confident that combining Masdar’s global knowledge with Citaglobal’s local prowess will ensure the project meets the highest international standards.

Winning the Bid

Landing this project wasn’t a fluke. It was secured through a competitive tender under Malaysia’s Large Scale Solar Cycle 5+ program, with Masdar’s consortium offering the lowest tariff in the floating solar category. Their global network and strategic partnerships were instrumental in clinching the deal.

This isn’t Masdar’s first rodeo in floating solar. They’ve already made waves with the 145MW Cirata Floating PV Plant in Indonesia. The Chereh project will be the first development under a 10-gigawatt roadmap agreed with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority last year.

Looking Ahead

Masdar isn’t stopping here. They’re also eyeing a floating solar installation at the Murum reservoir in Sarawak, working alongside Sarawak Energy and Gentari. This project aims to bolster Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap.

Technology and Finance

Advanced tech will be at the heart of the Chereh plant, tailored precisely for the dam’s unique characteristics. It’s designed to maximize efficiency and resilience over the long haul. Financing is set to come from international lenders, underscoring confidence in the project’s solid foundation.

Masdar is committed to working closely with local authorities and stakeholders throughout the entire process. Agreements, like the one with Pahang Water & Energy Resources, are in place to ensure everything runs smoothly from start to finish.

With a global clean energy portfolio spanning over 40 countries, Masdar is on a mission to deliver 100GW of clean energy capacity by 2030. This project is a significant step toward that goal, aligning perfectly with Malaysia’s development ambitions.