Malaysia Approves Major Solar Projects, Boosting Renewable Energy Goals
The Malaysian government has announced the official approval of 13 large-scale solar projects with a substantial combined capacity of 1,975 megawatts, signaling a major step forward in the nation’s energy transition strategy.
The Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation made the announcement on Tuesday, September 2, confirming that these large-scale solar generation projects are set to begin supplying electricity to the national grid in phases throughout 2027 and 2028.
Notably, this group of projects includes one of Malaysia’s largest floating solar installations, which alone boasts a significant capacity of 200 megawatts, highlighting the country’s embrace of innovative deployment methods.
The approval follows a bidding process that was initiated earlier this year.
Specifically, the ministry, acting through the Energy Commission, opened bidding in January under its fifth large-scale solar programme, aiming to secure contracts for a combined total of 2,000 megawatts worth of solar-generated electricity.
The near-total allocation of this capacity demonstrates the strong interest and capability within the sector to meet the government’s ambitious targets.
Since the introduction of the first large-scale solar programme in 2016, a total of 4,263 megawatts worth of solar generation capacity has now been officially approved, showcasing a decade-long commitment to scaling up renewable energy infrastructure.
The ministry, however, did not disclose the identities of the successful bidders for these latest contracts, maintaining confidentiality during this initial phase of the announcement.
Strategic Initiative to Transform National Energy Mix
This latest round of major solar approvals represents a strategic governmental initiative that is expected to contribute significantly to Malaysia’s long-term energy transition goals, positioning solar energy as a cornerstone of the future power supply.
The Ministry expressed its strong confidence that the implementation of this extensive initiative will be a major factor in achieving the country’s high-level energy transition aspirations.
The ultimate national goal is to increase the total renewable energy capacity mix within the national electricity supply system to a substantial 70 per cent by the year 2050.
Projects like this newly approved batch of large-scale solar installations are absolutely essential to realizing that ambitious target, moving the country away from a traditional reliance on fossil fuels.
The deployment of floating solar technology, in particular, demonstrates a commitment to maximizing resource utilization, especially in a geographically constrained nation where large land areas are often at a premium.
Harnessing the surface of reservoirs and bodies of water for solar power production is a cost-effective and land-efficient method that adds a layer of resilience to the national energy infrastructure.
Furthermore, the consistent and systematic approval of new capacity under the solar programme since 2016 provides a clear and predictable regulatory environment, which is crucial for attracting the necessary private investment and technological expertise required to construct and operate projects of this scale.
The Future Role of Large-Scale Solar in Malaysia
The phased commissioning of these projects in 2027 and 2028 will introduce a major wave of clean power, transforming Malaysia’s energy profile and solidifying the future role of solar power as a reliable national energy source.
The scheduled operational timeline for the new solar farms, starting in the mid-to-late 2020s, aligns with the national development plans aimed at decarbonizing the economy.
By introducing nearly 2 gigawatts of fresh capacity, the projects will not only displace fossil fuel generation but also enhance grid stability and energy security.
This move signals a wider economic shift, creating new opportunities for local content development, job creation in the solar technology and maintenance sectors, and fostering expertise in renewable energy project management.
The continuous expansion of the solar programme reflects a robust long-term policy framework that acknowledges the economic and environmental necessity of transitioning to clean energy.
Achieving the 70 per cent renewable energy mix by 2050 is a target that requires a sustained pipeline of projects, and the approval of this significant capacity under the fifth large-scale solar programme is a testament to the government’s sustained effort to realize a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for the country.
