Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) is spearheading Malaysia’s transition to renewable energy with its Hybrid Hydro-Floating Solar (HHFS) Project, a groundbreaking initiative that integrates hydropower and floating solar technology. This project aims to enhance energy efficiency, bolster national energy security, and drive economic growth while aligning with Malaysia’s sustainability goals.
Scaling Up Renewable Energy Capacity
The HHFS Project forms a crucial part of Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), which targets a 70% renewable energy (RE) mix by 2050. TNB Power Generation Sdn Bhd (TNB Genco) is leading efforts to develop a 2.5GW floating solar photovoltaic (PV) system across its hydro reservoirs.
By utilizing hydroelectric reservoirs for dual-energy production, the project ensures a continuous and stable power supply. During daylight hours, solar panels generate electricity, while hydropower complements supply during cloudy conditions or nighttime, optimizing energy generation.
Proven Success at Kenyir Dam
TNB Genco’s HHFS initiative builds on the success of two pilot projects, including the 154kWp floating solar PV pilot at Kenyir Dam, Malaysia’s largest hydroelectric reservoir. This project generates 224.6MWh of electricity annually, reducing 4,448 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions per year.
Operating under the Self Consumption (SELCO) model, the solar energy directly powers the Kenyir Dam’s operational systems, reducing reliance on external power sources. The project is equipped with an Environmental Monitoring System, tracking parameters such as wind speed, solar irradiance, and rainfall, ensuring optimized performance.
TNB Genco also pioneered one of Malaysia’s first floating solar systems at Stesen Janakuasa Sultan Azlan Shah (SJSAS) in Manjung, Perak, a 175-hectare installation operational since 2019.
Economic and Environmental Impact
TNB’s investment in HHFS extends beyond energy generation, creating thousands of job opportunities in engineering, construction, and site maintenance. The initiative is also stimulating small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within the renewable energy supply chain, supporting Malaysia’s green economy.
Environmentally, the floating solar panels reduce water evaporation in reservoirs, conserve freshwater resources, and minimize algae overgrowth, improving water quality. The project also optimizes land use by utilizing existing hydro reservoirs rather than large tracts of land, preserving space for agriculture and conservation.
Advancing Malaysia’s Clean Energy Goals
The HHFS Project is aligned with Malaysia’s broader clean energy initiatives, including the Government Renewable Energy Enhancement for Niche Sector (Greens Madani) program. Additionally, through the Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (CRESS), businesses can procure clean energy directly from TNB’s grid, accelerating corporate sustainability efforts.
As Malaysia pushes towards its renewable energy targets, TNB’s HHFS project is emerging as a blueprint for sustainable energy development, reinforcing the country’s energy resilience while reducing carbon emissions and fostering economic growth.
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