Constant Energy and Gaya Belian Commission First Large-Scale Solar Tracking Plant in Tawau, Malaysia

Constant Energy, in partnership with Gaya Belian, has officially commenced commercial operations of a 7.5-megawatt (MW) solar power plant in Balung, Tawau, under the entity Woodford Solar 1 (Sabah) Sdn Bhd. The commissioning ceremony marked a major milestone as the first ground-mounted solar plant in Tawau to feature large-scale solar tracking technology.

Implemented under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB), the project allows the solar facility to feed electricity directly into SESB’s distribution network. The solar tracking technology enables the panels to follow the sun throughout the day, significantly improving energy yield and operational efficiency.

“This is a significant moment for Tawau and for Sabah as a whole. This solar tracking plant signals our shift away from diesel and fossil fuels towards renewable sources that will benefit all Sabahans,” said YB Phoong Jin Zhe, Sabah’s Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, who officiated the ceremony. “Solar energy is more than just powering homes and industries — it is powering Sabah’s economic transformation,” he added.

The plant contributes to Sabah’s broader renewable energy targets, particularly the goal of achieving 350 MW of solar capacity by 2026. Woodford Solar is a joint venture between Constant Energy and Gaya Belian, formed to deliver innovative clean energy solutions tailored for Sabah’s needs.

Beyond its technical innovation, the project reflects Constant Energy’s dedication to advancing renewable energy expertise within the state. A subsidiary of global sustainable energy leader Virya Energy, Constant Energy applies international best practices and proven knowledge to develop efficient, localized energy solutions.

This new facility stands as a strong example of how global experience combined with local execution can foster impactful progress in the region’s transition toward clean energy.

Franck Constant, CEO of Constant Energy, praised the Woodford Solar team for their dedication in bringing the 7.5 MWp plant to life, noting over 156,000 man-hours of effort. He highlighted the plant as the company’s first large-scale solar project in Malaysia, showcasing its commitment to innovation with advanced solar tracking technology, and reaffirming its focus on delivering reliable, cutting-edge solutions to Sabah.

Marinah Harris, CEO of Gaya Belian, emphasized that the project was the result of strong collaboration between the Sabah Government’s electricity utility, the Federal Government’s SME lender, Constant Energy’s technical expertise, and Gaya Belian’s local knowledge. She highlighted its importance in advancing Sabah’s Net Zero aspirations and contributing to the global climate effort.

Constant Energy also pointed out that converting just 0.5% of Sabah’s plantation land into solar farms with battery storage could sustainably meet 100% of the state’s electricity demand.

Concluding the event, Constant expressed hope that solar power’s “low-cost, low-impact melody” would continue to grow louder across Sabah and Malaysia, symbolizing the region’s clean energy future.