Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC (Masdar), a leading player in the clean energy sector, partnered with Malaysia’s Sarawak Energy and Gentari, a Malaysian clean energy solutions provider.
The partnership aims to investigate the feasibility of creating a floating solar power plant at the Murum Hydroelectric Plant reservoir in Sarawak, Malaysia.
This partnership represents a significant move towards achieving Malaysia’s renewable energy objectives while enhancing sustainable energy options in Sarawak.
The official signing ceremony occurred at Masdar’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi, attended by Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Sarawak Energy Group CEO Datuk Sharbini Suhaili, and Gentari CEO Sushil Purohit.
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Floating solar projects offer an innovative and effective method for generating energy.
This is especially beneficial in countries like Malaysia, where land is increasingly reserved for agriculture, housing, and industries.
These floating solar setups on water bodies minimize land usage, reduce water evaporation, and create synergies with existing hydroelectric facilities.
This initiative between Masdar, Sarawak Energy, and Gentari seeks to harness these advantages to address rising energy demands sustainably.
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 pursuing a sustainable energy future.
He added, “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.”
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The feasibility study will assess the potential for large-scale floating solar installations on the Murum reservoir, concentrating on technical viability.
Additionally, it will evaluate the project’s environmental effects and economic sustainability.
If feasible, the Murum floating solar initiative will enhance Sarawak’s renewable energy and serve as a model for similar projects in Southeast Asia.
This would advance Sarawak’s ambition to be a clean energy development and export leader.
The Sarawak delegation, led by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari, discussed the Asia-Pacific hydrogen market during their UAE visit.
They also explored advanced energy initiatives by visiting the Mubadala Energy Exhibition at ADIPEC, the Taweelah Receiving Facility of Dolphin Energy, and the Masdar City.