Malaysia is set to strengthen its position as a regional leader in renewable energy with the launch of the Chereh Dam floating solar project in Pahang. The initiative, a collaboration between local developer Citaglobal Sdn Bhd and Abu Dhabi-based Masdar, is aimed not only at generating clean energy domestically but also at developing specialized skills that Malaysia can eventually export internationally. Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria, executive chairman and president of Citaglobal, emphasized that the project marks an important milestone in the country’s green energy transition.
Speaking at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, Mohamad Norza noted that implementing large-scale floating solar technology will demonstrate Malaysia’s technical capabilities to the global community. The project reflects strong international cooperation and a shared commitment to sustainable innovation. According to Fatima Al Suwaidi, Masdar’s Head of Development and Investment for Asia, floating solar technology offers several advantages, particularly in regions where land is limited. Using water bodies such as the Chereh Dam allows for efficient “dual use” of space without affecting agricultural or infrastructural land. Additionally, the natural cooling effect of water enhances the efficiency of solar panels compared to traditional land-based systems.
The Chereh Dam project is Malaysia’s first fully floating solar facility, moving beyond previous hybrid models that combined land and water installations. By focusing entirely on aquatic-based technology, the project represents a significant step toward adopting innovative solutions to meet large-scale renewable energy targets. The collaboration also highlights Masdar’s long-term commitment to Malaysia, with plans to establish a local office in Kuala Lumpur later this year. This expansion is expected to strengthen partnerships and promote the growth of renewable energy projects across the country.
Experts believe the project will catalyze building a robust ecosystem of engineers and technical professionals capable of leading similar initiatives worldwide. By mastering the complexities of floating solar technology, Malaysia aims to create economic opportunities through high-tech energy exports while advancing environmental sustainability. The Chereh Dam floating solar project not only boosts domestic renewable energy capacity but also positions the country as a hub for innovation and expertise in emerging green technologies.
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