Malaysian firm setting up hydro floating solar hybrid project

Malaysia’s Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) has started a hydro floating solar hybrid (HHFS) photovoltaic (PV) project, following the success of its floating solar trial project which was commissioned in 2019.

The project is being developed under the national energy transition plan (NETR) at the company’s hydro dam lake after the success of the floating solar trial project in the ash pond of the Sultan Azlan Shah Power Station (SJSAS) in Manjung, Perak.

Since 2019, floating solar PV in the 175-hectare ash pond generated more than 600 MWh of energy. 

The project comprises 288 solar PV modules with a combined capacity of 105.12 kWp, resulting in a CO2 reduction of 390 tons over four years of operation. The electricity produced this way can meet the energy needs of 30 households.

Dato’ Seri Ir. Baharin Din, President and CEO of TNB, said that TNB Power Generation (TNB Genco) is to undertake the development of the 2,500 MW HHFS project.

TNB plans to commence with a 30 MW installation at Chenderohnya Hydro Dam. Subsequent sites at Temenggor and Kenyir Hydro Dams are also planned for development. 

“Floating solar is in line with the principles of sustainable energy development by reducing the impact of climate change, through reducing greenhouse gas emissions as well as providing economic benefits in terms of investment and job opportunities for local communities. Overall, it reflects the harmonious integration of TBB generation with environmental preservation,” said Baharin.

“Careful planning and environmental impact assessment is an important aspect in ensuring the sustainable integration of this installation into the water ecosystem.”

TNB conducted an ecological study for a mini floating solar project at SJSAS through TNB Research Sdn Bhd (TNBR), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the utility company. 

In Malaysia, floating solar activities have been ramping up lately. Namely, a Malaysian firm in February 2024 made its first foray into renewables with a floating solar plant. 

TC Sungenergy (TCS), a subsidiary of Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad (TCMH), has kicked off operations from its first large-scale floating solar photovoltaic (LSSPV) plant.

Also, other Malaysian companies, Semarak Renewable Energy (RE) and China Hydropower (Malaysia), a subsidiary of PowerChina, signed an agreement to develop Malaysia’s first large-scale green hydrogen production project using floating photovoltaic power generation.

The project will be located in Perak and involves the development of green hydrogen production and storage through the deployment of floating photovoltaic power generation, contributing to the shift towards sustainable energy.