Saraw, Malaysia is poised to receive up to $20 billion in investments for large-scale solar power projects from multinational companies, including major firms from China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The potential investment includes $10 billion from Shanghai Electric and China Three Gorges International Ltd, and an additional $10 billion from Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, Masdar.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced these developments during the Natural Resources and Environment Board’s 30th anniversary celebration. He explained that these investments could generate an estimated 3 gigawatts (3,000 megawatts) of solar power. This is set to come from floating solar panels installed on existing hydroelectric dams in the region, such as Bakun and Murum.
The Bakun dam, with a capacity of 2,400 megawatts, and the Murum dam, with 944 megawatts, are expected to produce 500 megawatts and 600 megawatts of solar energy, respectively, through floating solar farms. Additionally, the Baleh dam project, under construction and expected to be completed by late 2028, will further contribute to Sarawak’s solar energy potential.
Currently, Sarawak is already working on Malaysia’s largest floating solar farm at the Batang Ai dam, a 50-megawatt project set to begin operations in October. This project is a joint venture between Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB), China Power International Holdings, and Trina Solar. SEB is also exploring the possibility of expanding this project with a second phase of up to 160 megawatts.
Masdar and SEB recently signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on renewable energy projects in Sarawak, aiming to advance the region’s green energy ambitions. Similarly, Shanghai Electric and China Three Gorges, both experienced in the region, are eager to support Sarawak’s transformation into a green energy hub.
