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Sarawak to Commission Nation’s First Major Floating Solar Farm
Sarawak: A Beacon of Solar Power
LUBOK ANTU – Sarawak is set to become a trailblazer in solar energy for Malaysia with the upcoming commissioning of the 50 megawatts (MW) Batang Ai Floating Solar Farm. This ambitious project, managed by Sarawak Energy, is expected to be operational by the end of October this year.
Largest Floating Solar Plant in Malaysia
Upon completion, the Batang Ai Floating Solar Farm will be Malaysia’s largest floating solar plant, covering 190 hectares of the reservoir’s surface area. Impressively, this expansive project will occupy less than three percent of the total lake surface area, showcasing a minimal environmental footprint.
Project Progress and Partnership
Sarawak Energy Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Sharbini Suhaili, provided an update on the project’s progress. As of now, the construction, which began on June 20 last year, has reached 35 percent completion. This project is a collaborative effort involving Sarawak Energy, China Power International Holdings, and the solar energy firm Trina Solar.
A Groundbreaking Hybrid Generation System
“It will be the nation’s first major hybrid generation system combining hydro and solar power,” Sharbini announced during Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s working visit to the Batang Ai Floating Solar Farm site on June 20. This innovative approach integrates solar power with hydropower, ensuring a more reliable and sustainable energy supply.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Sharbini highlighted the environmental benefits of the project, which is expected to offset around 52 kilotonnes of carbon emissions annually. This substantial reduction contributes significantly to the decarbonization of Sarawak’s power system.
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“In developing this project, we have taken an approach that prioritizes sustainability, aligning with our commitment to maximizing the positive impacts on the environment while minimizing the negative ones,” he stated.
Addressing Renewable Energy Challenges
The Batang Ai Floating Solar Farm is designed to address the intermittency issues often associated with renewable energy sources. By leveraging solar power during the day and conserving hydropower for use at night, the hybrid system ensures a steady and reliable power supply.
Future Expansion Plans
Sharbini also revealed that Sarawak Energy is exploring the potential for a phase 2 facility at Batang Ai, which could expand the capacity by an additional 160MW. Studies are currently underway to assess the feasibility of this expansion, with announcements to follow upon confirmation.
Sarawak Energy’s Vision for 2030
Sarawak Energy is the primary implementing agency of the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication and has made significant strides towards its goal of achieving 10 gigawatts (GW) of generation capacity by 2030. As of December 2023, the existing capacity stands at 5,745MW, with plans to add another 3 to 4GW.
“We plan to leverage hydropower, solar, gas turbine, and biomass energy to achieve our 10GW goal by 2030,” Sharbini explained. This diversified approach ensures a balanced and sustainable energy mix for the future.
Financial Backing and Investment
Sarawak Energy’s projects have secured the necessary funding through a combination of internally generated funds and a successful RM3.5 billion issuance under SEB’s RM15 billion Sukuk programme, which boasts an AAA credit rating from RAM Rating Services Berhad.
“Every year over the next ten years, we plan to invest around RM4 to 5 billion per annum in our generation, transmission, and distribution projects,” Sharbini stated. This investment marks an increase from the previous estimate of RM3 to 4 billion per annum, reflecting the commitment to providing a modern and reliable power system for Sarawakians.
Conclusion
The Batang Ai Floating Solar Farm is poised to transform Sarawak into a leader in renewable energy, setting a precedent for sustainable power generation in Malaysia. With its innovative hybrid system and significant environmental benefits, this project exemplifies Sarawak Energy’s commitment to a greener future.
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