ABU DHABI: Masdar, Sarawak Energy and Gentari will collaborate to explore the feasibility of a large-scale floating solar power plant on the Murum Hydroelectric Plant reservoir in Sarawak.
This collaboration is formalised through a Joint Study Agreement at Masdar’s head office in Abu Dhabi, highlighting Malaysia’s commitment to clean energy and positioning Sarawak as the leader in innovative, sustainable solutions.
The documents were exchanged between Masdar Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Sarawak Energy Group CEO Datuk Sharbini Suhaili, and Gentari CEO Sushil Purohit.
Floating solar projects maximise land efficiency, reduce water evaporation and complement hydroelectric systems, making them ideal for densely populated countries like Malaysia.
Mohamed Jameel described the partnership with Sarawak Energy and Gentari as a dynamic fusion of expertise and ambition driving 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 demonstrate we can accelerate the energy transition and drive economic growth through bold, collaborative action.
“This 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, and Masdar is proud to contribute to Malaysia’s ambitious renewable energy targets of 31 per cent by 2025 and 40 per cent by 2035,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sharbini said Sarawak Energy’s diverse generation mix was essential to realising its vision of becoming a renewable energy leader 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,” he stated.
Furthermore, Sushil said Gentari was committed to driving long-term value as Asia-Pacific’s trusted clean energy partner.
“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, and 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 integrate renewables into our energy systems more effectively,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by several distinguished officials, including Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Abang Abdul Rahman Johari Tun Abang Openg; Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan; Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi; Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Sarawak Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni and chairman of Sarawak Energy Datuk Ibrahim Baki,
