Sarawak Partners with China Three Gorges, Shanghai Electric to Develop 1GW Floating Solar Project at Bakun Reservoir

The Government of Sarawak has entered into a strategic partnership with two major Chinese firms—China Three Gorges International Corporation (CTGI) and Shanghai Electric—to explore the development of a large-scale floating solar power project at the Bakun Reservoir. The agreement, formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU), marks a significant step in Sarawak’s renewable energy expansion strategy.

The MoU was signed during the SNEC PV+ Expo in Shanghai, the world’s largest solar and energy storage exhibition. Although Sarawak Premier Abang Johari was not in attendance, Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication and Sarawak Energy Chairman Haji Khalid Haji Ibrahim delivered remarks on his behalf, emphasizing the state’s commitment to solar integration and industrial decarbonization.

The proposed floating solar project could reach a capacity of up to 1 gigawatt (GW), significantly enhancing the role of solar in Sarawak’s energy mix. Renewable energy currently accounts for around 60% of the state’s electricity generation, with hydropower dominating the mix. Sarawak’s three primary hydroelectric sites—Bakun, Murum, and Batang Ai—are all being positioned for hybrid solar-hydro expansion.

Hydropower Backbone Supports Floating Solar Growth

The Bakun Hydroelectric Plant, one of Malaysia’s largest power facilities with an installed capacity of 2,520 MW, has reliably generated electricity since 2011. The integration of floating solar at Bakun aims to optimize reservoir surface area and maximize renewable output without additional land use.

This initiative follows the successful commissioning of Malaysia’s largest floating solar system at the Batang Ai Reservoir in 2024. The 50 MW hybrid facility was developed in collaboration with China Power International Development and Trina Solar, reinforcing Sarawak’s growing ties with Chinese clean energy firms.

Global Investment Interest Expands

In addition to Chinese participation, Sarawak’s floating solar ambitions have drawn attention from Middle Eastern investors. In November 2024, the United Arab Emirates’ state-owned clean energy firm Masdar signed an agreement with Sarawak Energy and Gentari—the renewable energy arm of Malaysia’s national oil company, Petronas—to co-develop a floating solar system at the Murum Reservoir.

Officials noted that such international collaboration reflects Sarawak’s emerging role as a regional hub for green energy investment and innovation.

The Bakun floating solar project, once realized, could position Sarawak as a leader in Southeast Asia’s hybrid renewable energy development.