SARAWAK has the potential to significantly boost its power generation capacity from floating solar panels to 2,000MW at the Batang Ai hydroelectric plant (HEP) reservoir, according to Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Speaking after a visit to the Batang Ai floating solar farm, located approximately 288km from the state capital, Abang Johari highlighted that Sarawak Energy Bhd’s (SEB) current project at Batang Ai would generate 50MW once completed in October.
He pointed out that the 86-hectare solar farm currently occupies only 2% of the reservoir’s total surface area of 8,500 hectares, suggesting considerable room for expansion.
“From my calculations, if we use 60% of 8,500ha, the potential solar energy we can produce is about 2,000MW. I have shared this with SEB so that we can plan an increase in Batang Ai’s solar power generation capacity and I believe they will research this proposal.”
Moreover, Abang Johari also mentioned that the state government would explore additional floating solar projects at the Bakun and Murum reservoirs, which have potential capacities of 500MW and 600MW, respectively.
“We have signed a memorandum of understanding with (renewable energy company) Masdar from the United Arab Emirates, who are interested in developing solar energy.”
SEB group chief executive officer Datuk Sharbini Suhaili noted that the Batang Ai project would be Malaysia’s largest floating solar plant and the first major hybrid generation facility combining hydro and solar power.
“Through a joint venture with China Power International Holdings and Trina Solar, the floating solar project has achieved 35% progress and is expected to be commissioned by the end of October this year.
“Once fully commissioned, the facility is expected to offset around 52 kilotonnes of emissions per year, contributing to the further decarbonisation of Sarawak’s power system,” he said.
Furthermore, Sharbini also revealed that SEB was studying the feasibility of a second phase at Batang Ai, which could add up to 160MW of capacity. SEB is looking to deploy floating solar projects at the Bakun and Murum reservoir sites.
“Ultimately, Sarawak Energy remains fully committed to exploring floating solar at Batang Ai HEP and beyond, with the eventual completion of this initial floating solar project in October being the first step.” – June 20, 2024
Main photo credit: The Edge Malaysia
