SHANGHAI: Sarawak has taken a big step in its pursuit of clean energy, with plans to study the feasibility of generating up to 1,000 megawatts through solar power.
A step in this direction was embarked on by the Sarawak government with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Three Gorges International Ltd (CGTI) and Shanghai Electric Power T&D Group Co. Ltd.
It was formalised at the 2025 International Solar Photovoltaic and Smart Energy Conference (SNEC PV Expo) here Tuesday (June10) with the state government represented by Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication.
The MoU sets the framework for the three parties to jointly undertake studies and collaborate to explore the potential development of floating solar, with a capacity not exceeding 1,000MW, on the reservoir of the Bakun Hydroelectric Plant (HEP).
The signatories of the MoU were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Datuk Jafri Lias, Vice President of China Three Gorges International Limited Zhang Kai Hong and Vice President of Shanghai Electric Power T&D Group Co. Ltd Yang Xing Hai.
Deputy Minister for Utility (Sarawak Energy and Petros) and Chairman of Sarawak Energy, Datuk Ibrahim Baki, represented Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the signing ceremony witnessing it signing together with Shanghai Mayor, Gong Zheng.
Sarawak successfully generated power from its first large-scale solar installation at the Batang Ai HEP in December 2024, according to a press release from Sarawak Energy.
“The 50MW floating solar farm, spanning over 190 hectares of the Batang Ai reservoir also marks Sarawak’s first integrated hydroelectric and solar power scheme,”it said.
The MoU signing was held in conjunction with the SNEC PV+ 18th International Photovoltaic Power Generation and Smart Energy Conference & Exhibition, which is being held from June 10-13, at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre in Shanghai, China.
“The event is known as the world’s largest and most influential PV trade show, attracting more than 3,000 exhibitors from 95 countries,” it added.
