Schneider Electric, PETRONAS and UMT Launch Malaysia’s First Offshore Renewable Energy Centre

Schneider Electric, in collaboration with PETRONAS and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), has officially launched the Centre for Offshore Renewable Energy (CEFORE), a first-of-its-kind facility designed to harness offshore wind, solar, and wave energy. Located off the coast of Kuala Terengganu, CEFORE aims to support Malaysia’s transition toward cleaner energy and strengthen its position in the global renewable energy sector.

The facility integrates multiple renewable energy sources into a floating microgrid system equipped with on-site energy storage and smart energy management technologies. This ensures stable power supply and demonstrates the viability of mixed offshore renewable systems. CEFORE also aligns with Malaysia’s Blue Economy agenda under the 13th Malaysia Plan, promoting sustainable use of marine resources for economic development and environmental conservation.

The initiative supports the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), which sets the country’s renewable energy capacity target at 70% by 2050. Currently, renewable sources contribute around 25% to the national energy mix.

As the technology partner, Schneider Electric has provided digital energy management solutions, automation systems, and energy storage integration tools for CEFORE. The facility also serves as a testing ground for advanced grid technologies to enhance energy reliability and prepare Malaysia’s grid to accommodate higher renewable energy penetration.

Eugene Quah, Country President of Schneider Electric Malaysia, said the project represents a pivotal milestone in Malaysia’s energy landscape. “CEFORE is the first of its kind globally and showcases our shared commitment with PETRONAS to drive decarbonisation and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050,” he stated.

Schneider Electric contributed several key technologies to the project, including:

• RM AirSeT (SF₆-free Medium Voltage Switchgear)
• Trihal Cast Resin Dry-Type Transformers with IoT thermal monitoring
• Low Voltage Switchboards integrated with EcoStruxure
• EcoStruxure Power Automation System (EPAS) for digital substation automation
• ETAP Power Plant Controller for real-time energy system monitoring and optimisation

With CEFORE functioning as a scalable demonstration model, the project highlights how offshore hybrid renewable energy systems can deliver clean, reliable power to coastal communities while supporting national sustainability goals.