Malaysia’s Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) has announced plans to proceed with hybrid hydro-floating solar (HHFS) photovoltaic (PV) projects at its hydro dam reservoirs. This follows the success of its pilot project in the ash pond of the Stesen Janakuasa Sultan Azlan Shah (SJSAS) in Manjung, Perak, and comes under the country’s National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).

“The pilot project in SJSAS was a remarkable success. We utilised the water’s surface area. As the country moves towards a low-carbon future and environmental sustainability, TNB, through TNB Power Generation Sdn Bhd (TNB Genco), is planning to build 2500 Megawatt (MW) of HHFS. This responsible Energy Transition initiative offers sustainable energy solutions with positive ecological impacts,” said TNB President and Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Seri Ir. Baharin Din.

Baharin further explained that the utilisation of water bodies for solar installations will allow for TNB to conserve land usage, preserve land natural habitats, and reduce water evaporation. Unlike traditional thermal power plants, floating solar farms do not have water or air discharges that could negatively impact water or air quality – which in turn minimises pollution and supports biodiversity with minimal disruption to aquatic ecosystems.

“Floating solar aligns with sustainable energy development principles, mitigates climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and brings economic benefits to the local communities through job creation and investment,” said Baharin.

“Overall, it presents a harmonious integration of renewable energy generation with environmental conservation. For TNB’s mini floating solar at SJSAS, we conducted an ecology study through TNB’s wholly-owned research arm, TNB Research Sdn Bhd (TNBR). Every component of the floating solar system was carefully chosen & designed. Even the floaters or pontoons were made of certified food-grade high-density polyethene to minimise the impact on water quality.”

At present, TNB has reported that the project has shown no adverse impact on wildlife living in the surrounding area.

Since 2019, the Floating Solar PV located on a 175-hectare ash pond in SJSAS has generated more than 600MWh of energy. The 288 solar PV modules installed comprise 105.12kWp of capacity, equivalent to a reduction of 390 tonnes of CO2 during 4 years of operation or CO2 uptake by 15,624 trees. The electricity generated from this system can meet the needs of 30 houses.

TNB plans to expedite the implementation of the 2500MW HHFS, beginning with 30MW at its Chenderoh Hydro-reservoir, to be closely followed by locations at its Temenggor and Kenyir Hydro-reservoirs. “Floating solar farms can complement other renewable energy sources to power the national grid with the potential to boost clean power significantly,” Baharin added.

As a key enabler, TNB has penned partnerships with state agencies Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Perak (PKNPk) and Terengganu Incorporated (TI) to ensure that the HHFS development is carried out successfully and responsibly.

With the floating solar venture positioned as part of TNB’s strategy to accelerate the decarbonisation of its power generation business, Baharin emphasised that the company is making substantial strides in its commitment to driving large renewable energy (RE) and clean technology initiatives and spearheading pivotal flagship projects as outlined in the NETR.