- The Chereh Dam floating solar project strengthens Malaysia’s leadership in regional renewable energy.
- The solar project develops skills for high-tech energy exports.
Malaysia is poised to strengthen its position as a regional leader in renewable energy through the Chereh Dam floating solar project in Pahang. The initiative is a partnership between local developer Citaglobal Sdn Bhd and Abu Dhabi-based Masdar. It will generate clean electricity domestically.
At the same time, it will build specialised skills that Malaysia can export internationally. Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria, executive chairman and president of Citaglobal, stated that the project marks a significant milestone in the country’s green energy transition.
Speaking at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, Mohamad Norza said that implementing large-scale floating solar technology demonstrates Malaysia’s technical expertise to the global community. He added that the project shows strong international cooperation and a shared commitment to sustainable innovation.
Fatima Al Suwaidi, Masdar’s Head of Development and Investment for Asia, highlighted the advantages of floating solar technology. In regions with limited land, utilising water bodies such as the Chereh Dam enables the dual use of space without compromising agriculture or infrastructure. Additionally, the cooling effect of water improves the efficiency of solar panels compared with conventional land-based systems.
The Chereh Dam project is Malaysia’s first fully floating solar facility. It moves beyond earlier hybrid models that combined land and water installations. By focusing entirely on water-based technology, the project takes a decisive step towards large-scale renewable energy targets.
The partnership also demonstrates Masdar’s long-term commitment to Malaysia. The company will open a local office in Kuala Lumpur later this year. This expansion will strengthen collaboration and boost renewable energy projects across the nation.
Experts predict that the project will build a strong ecosystem of engineers and technical professionals. Malaysia will be able to lead similar initiatives worldwide. By mastering floating solar technology, the country can create economic opportunities through high-tech energy exports while promoting environmental sustainability.
Overall, the Chereh Dam floating solar project enhances Malaysia’s domestic renewable energy capacity and positions the country as a hub for innovation and expertise in emerging green technologies.