Masdar, the UAE’s clean energy powerhouse, has signed a Joint Study Agreement with Sarawak Energy and Gentari to explore the feasibility of a floating solar power plant at the Murum Hydroelectric Plant in Sarawak, Malaysia. This large-scale project aims to support Malaysia’s renewable energy goals and enhance Sarawak’s role in the region’s clean energy transition.
The agreement was finalized at Masdar’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi, with key figures including Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Sarawak Energy Group CEO Datuk Sharbini Suhaili, and Gentari CEO Sushil Purohit in attendance. The ceremony was also witnessed by the Right Honorable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Abang Haji Openg, Premier of Sarawak, and Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah Bin Haji Yusof, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia.
The floating solar project will be located at the Murum Hydroelectric Plant’s reservoir and aims to address land scarcity issues by utilizing water surfaces for solar power generation. The project could also create synergies with the existing hydroelectric operations, reducing land use and helping conserve water resources.
Masdar’s CEO, Mohamed Al Ramahi, expressed confidence in the partnership, stating, “This collaboration represents a powerful convergence of expertise and ambition in advancing renewable energy. By leveraging our collective strengths in solar and floating PV innovations, we can accelerate the energy transition and drive sustainable economic growth.” Al Ramahi also highlighted Masdar’s commitment to Malaysia’s renewable energy targets, including achieving 31% of energy from renewable sources by 2025.
Sarawak Energy’s CEO, Datuk Sharbini Suhaili, emphasized the importance of the project in Sarawak’s broader renewable energy strategy. He noted that the floating solar PV project would complement Sarawak’s existing renewable investments, such as the Batang Ai floating solar farm, which is expected to offset 52 kilotonnes of CO2 annually when operational later this year.
Sushil Purohit, CEO of Gentari, expressed his company’s commitment to supporting Malaysia’s clean energy goals. “Our partnership with Masdar and Sarawak Energy unites global leaders in clean energy to drive innovation and accelerate the integration of renewables into our energy systems,” he said.
The feasibility study will assess the technical, environmental, and economic viability of the floating solar installation at the Murum reservoir. If successful, the project could significantly enhance Sarawak’s renewable energy capacity and position it as a regional leader in clean energy development.
During their visit to the UAE, the Sarawak delegation, led by Premier Zohari, participated in several high-level meetings, including a panel discussion on Asia’s role in the hydrogen market, and visited key energy sites such as the Mubadala Energy Exhibition Stand at ADIPEC and Masdar City.
The collaboration highlights a shared commitment to advancing renewable energy in Southeast Asia and supporting Malaysia’s broader clean energy transition.
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