National utility firm Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) has officially launched a floating solar pilot project at the Tasik Kenyir Dam, a move expected to pave the way for up to 2.2GW of floating solar generation capacity in Malaysia.
The Hybrid Hydro Floating Solar (HHFS) project, situated at Southeast Asia’s largest man-made lake, Kenyir Lake, marks a significant step in the country’s renewable energy transition. The dam, built in 1985, spans 36,900 hectares and is now being explored as a platform for solar energy development.
The pilot system has a capacity of 100kW and consists of 220 photovoltaic modules covering 1,085 square metres. TNB estimates that floating solar infrastructure could potentially occupy 10% of the lake’s surface, unlocking approximately 2,200MW of clean energy without disturbing the lake’s ecosystem.
Strategic Partnership and Grid Flexibility
The HHFS initiative is a collaboration between TNB’s generation arm, TNB Genco Sdn Bhd, and Terengganu Inc, the state-owned investment company. It aligns with TNB’s broader 2.5GW hybrid hydro-solar development strategy announced earlier this year.
TNB President and CEO Datuk Megat Jalaluddin said the project underscores the utility’s commitment to accelerating Malaysia’s energy transition using its existing hydro assets.
“The Kenyir HHFS project exemplifies how TNB is optimising its hydro reservoirs for maximum renewable energy output. The hydro plant also plays a crucial role in stabilising the grid by storing water during peak demand and discharging it during off-peak hours,” Jalaluddin said.
In addition to grid stability, the energy produced at Kenyir Lake will contribute to powering a green hydrogen hub in Kertih, developed in partnership with state energy company Petronas.
Government Push and Industry Momentum
The Malaysian government has thrown its support behind floating solar technology, recognising it as a key component of its energy transition roadmap. Earlier this year, a national tender was launched offering 2GW of solar capacity—split into 1,500MW for large-scale ground-mounted projects and 500MW specifically allocated for floating solar projects ranging from 10MW to 500MW.
In a sign of growing momentum, Malaysian renewable energy company Cypark Resources Berhad commissioned a 100MW hybrid project in August 2024 in Merchang, Terengganu. The installation includes 35MW of floating solar PV, located just 62km from the Kenyir project site.
The government’s aggressive push and corporate participation signal a promising future for floating solar in Malaysia, positioning it as a vital pillar in the nation’s renewable energy landscape.
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