A consortium led by Emirati renewable energy company Masdar has been chosen to construct Southeast Asia’s largest floating solar power plant, a 200-MWac/300-MWp facility at the Chereh Dam in Malaysia. The MYR 850 million project aims to provide electricity to over 100,000 homes and marks a significant step in Malaysia’s renewable energy roadmap. This initiative highlights a commitment to innovative energy solutions and sustainable growth in the region.
The project was awarded through Malaysia’s Large Scale Solar (LSS) Cycle 5+ programme, with Malaysian partners Citaglobal and Tiza Global collaborating with Masdar. Covering approximately 750 acres of water surface, this installation is poised to enhance the country’s renewable energy infrastructure significantly. Once operational, it is expected to contribute to the annual energy needs of many local homes.
This floating solar initiative is the first major project under the 10-GW renewable energy roadmap, signed in 2023 between Masdar and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA). The Chereh Dam project will be Masdar’s largest floating solar venture to date and represents a crucial addition to its renewable portfolio, which already includes other projects such as the 145-MW Cirata Floating Photovoltaic Power Plant in Indonesia.
The development reflects Malaysia’s ongoing commitment to increasing its renewable energy capacity and utilizing innovative solutions like floating solar technology to meet the rising electricity demand while also pushing forward environmental sustainability goals.