Masdar, Citaglobal Berhad and TIZA Global Sdn Bhd have marked the start of construction of the 200 MW Chereh Dam Floating Solar PV Project in Pahang, Malaysia. The project is expected to become one of Southeast Asia’s largest floating solar developments, generating enough electricity to meet the equivalent demand of around 100,000 homes. It is scheduled to begin commercial operations in 2028.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by His Royal Highness Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, the Sultan of Pahang, and His Excellency Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, Chief Minister of Pahang, along with senior representatives of the project partners.
The project is being developed by Chereh Solar Sdn Bhd, a company established by the partners. It combines Masdar’s experience in renewable energy and floating solar technology with Citaglobal’s infrastructure and energy development capabilities and TIZA Global’s project development and local stakeholder engagement expertise. The development is also expected to create approximately 1,500 jobs during the development and construction phases.
Financial close for the project was achieved on October 27, with approximately MYR 580 million raised from three international lenders. The financing arrangement is designed to align project funding with future revenues while attracting international investment into Malaysia’s renewable energy sector and supporting local economic participation.
Chereh Solar signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), Malaysia’s national utility company, in December 2025. Under the agreement, electricity generated by the project will be sold to TNB for 21 years from the start of commercial operations. The project was awarded through a competitive tender under Malaysia’s Large Scale Solar (LSS) Cycle 5+ programme, with the consortium submitting the lowest tariff in the floating solar category.
For Masdar, the project represents its first development in Malaysia and marks a significant step in its expansion across Southeast Asia. It also becomes the first project under the 10 GW renewable energy roadmap agreed with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) in 2023. Masdar has previously developed floating solar capabilities through projects such as the 145 MW Cirata floating solar plant in Indonesia.
The company is also progressing a feasibility study for a major floating solar installation at the Murum reservoir in Sarawak, which could further expand its presence in Malaysia’s renewable energy market.
Citaglobal is strengthening its renewable power generation portfolio through its investment in Chereh Solar. The project forms part of the group’s New Energy platform, which includes solar power, hydropower and Bio-CNG initiatives. The company and TIZA Global will work with Masdar and the wider project team to support construction and delivery.
The partners have also signed a Site Agreement with Pahang Water & Energy Resources to facilitate project development. They will continue working with Malaysian authorities, local communities and other stakeholders throughout construction and operations.
By installing solar panels on an existing reservoir, the project will use available water surfaces for electricity generation, reducing the need for additional land-based solar sites. The development supports Malaysia’s target of increasing renewable energy’s share of installed electricity-generation capacity to 35% by 2030. Floating solar is expected to contribute to this goal while supporting energy security, employment and investment in clean energy infrastructure.
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
