Abu Dhabi, UAE, November 6, 2024 - Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, the UAE’s clean energy powerhouse, has
signed a Joint Study Agreement with Malaysia's Sarawak Energy and clean energy solutions provider, Gentari, to assess the feasibility of a floating solar
power plant at the reservoir of Murum Hydroelectric
Plant in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia.
The large-scale
floating solar PV project marks a significant step towards expanding renewable
energy capacity in Sarawak state and supporting Malaysia's clean energy
ambitions. The exchange of documents was held at Masdar’s head office in Abu
Dhabi between Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Masdar Chief
Executive Officer, Datuk Sharbini Suhaili, Sarawak Energy Group Chief Executive
Officer and Sushil Purohit, Gentari Chief Executive Officer. The ceremony was witnessed by the Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr)
Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Abang Haji Openg, Premier of Sarawak.
Floating solar projects offer several
advantages for countries like Malaysia with growing populations and a scarcity
of land that is required for agriculture, housing and industry. Placing solar
plants on water reduces land use, decreases water evaporation, and offers
potential synergies with hydroelectric operations.
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Masdar Chief Executive Officer, said: "Our partnership with
Sarawak Energy and Gentari represents a powerful convergence of expertise and
ambition in the pursuit of a sustainable energy future. By harnessing our
collective strengths in renewable energy technologies, particularly in
large-scale solar and floating PV innovations, we are demonstrating that we can
accelerate the energy transition and drive economic growth through bold,
collaborative action. This deal follows our landmark agreement with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority in 2023 for the
development of 10 gigawatts of clean energy projects across the country. Masdar is proud to contribute
to Malaysia’s ambitious renewable energy targets of 31 percent by 2025 and 40
percent by 2035.”
Sarawak
Energy Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Sharbini Suhaili, commented:
“Sarawak Energy’s diversified generation mix is crucial to achieving our aim of
becoming a renewable energy powerhouse in Southeast Asia. The potential for a
floating solar PV project on the reservoir of the Murum Hydroelectric Plant
will complement our ongoing investments in renewable innovations, including our
Batang Ai floating solar farm, which is expected to offset 52 kilotonnes of CO2
emissions annually once commissioned by the end of this year.”
Sushil Purohit, Gentari Chief Executive
Officer, said: “As a proudly Malaysian company,
Gentari is pleased to be a key contributor in helping the country achieve its
renewable energy targets and climate goals, alongside supporting clients on
their net zero journey. Our partnership with Masdar and Sarawak Energy for this
ambitious project unites leading global stakeholders in a shared vision to
drive progress in clean energy adoption, optimising technological advancements
to more effectively integrate renewables into our energy systems. At every
level—state, national, and international—Gentari is fully committed to driving
long-term value as a trusted clean energy partner in Asia Pacific."
The feasibility study aims to assess the
potential for a large-scale floating solar installation on the Murum reservoir.
This evaluation will encompass technical feasibility, environmental impact, and
economic viability to determine if the project can be successfully implemented.
If deemed viable, this floating solar installation could not only strengthen
Sarawak's renewable energy capacity but also position it as a pioneering model
for floating solar projects across the region. It also supports Sarawak's ambition
to become a leader in clean energy development and export in Southeast Asia.