Masdar has entered into a Joint Study Agreement with Sarawak Energy and Gentari to evaluate the feasibility of a large-scale floating solar power plant at the Murum Hydroelectric Plant reservoir in Sarawak, Malaysia.
This initiative represents a significant move towards enhancing renewable energy capacity in the state and aligns with Malaysia’s broader clean energy goals.
The signing ceremony took place at Masdar’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi and was attended by key officials including the Premier of Sarawak and the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia. Floating solar projects are particularly advantageous for Malaysia, given its land constraints for agriculture and urban development, as they make efficient use of water bodies while also potentially reducing evaporation and supporting hydroelectric operations.
Masdar’s CEO, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, highlighted the collaborative effort to drive the energy transition and economic growth through renewable technologies. Sarawak Energy’s CEO, Datuk Sharbini Suhaili, emphasized the potential of the floating solar project to complement existing renewable investments, while Gentari’s CEO, Sushil Purohit, committed to advancing clean energy adoption in the Asia Pacific region.
The feasibility study will assess technical, environmental, and economic aspects to determine the project’s viability. If successful, the floating solar installation could enhance Sarawak’s renewable energy profile and serve as a model for similar projects in the region. The accompanying Sarawak delegation also engaged in high-level discussions and visits to various energy-related facilities during their trip to the UAE. [1]
