LOCAL NEWS
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LOCAL NEWS
@ green | May-June. 2026
MALAYSIA’ S renewable energy transition is accelerating rapidly, with solar power expected to surpass 6.5GW of installed capacity by 2029 as the country intensifies efforts to reshape its energy future through utility-scale solar, floating photovoltaic systems and broader grid modernisation initiatives.
The expansion reflects a significant shift in national energy strategy, where solar energy is increasingly positioned as a core component of long-term energy security, industrial growth and decarbonisation efforts.
Among the most promising developments is the rise of floating solar photovoltaic( FPV) systems, also known as“ floatovoltaics”, which are deployed on lakes, reservoirs and other water bodies. The technology is gaining traction in Malaysia due to land limitations and its ability to improve solar panel efficiency through the cooling effects of water.
The growing adoption of floating solar also aligns well with Malaysia’ s existing hydropower assets, particularly in Sarawak, where large reservoirs surrounding hydroelectric dams present opportunities for hybrid renewable energy systems combining hydro and solar generation.
Industry reports indicate Malaysia’ s utilities sector is expected to lead much of the expansion, driven by rising electricity demand from industrialisation, electric vehicles, artificial intelligence infrastructure and the rapid growth of hyperscale data centres.
Solar power surge
The solar surge comes amid growing regional momentum for renewable energy adoption across ASEAN, as governments seek to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, strengthen energy resilience, and meet climate commitments.
However, the rapid rollout of solar energy also raises critical infrastructure challenges.
As solar generation increases, concerns surrounding intermittency and grid stability are becoming more prominent. This has intensified the focus on battery energy storage systems( BESS), smart grid technologies and transmission upgrades to ensure
reliable integration of renewable energy into the national grid.
Malaysia’ s evolving energy strategy is also widening beyond renewables alone. Industry observers note that discussions about nuclear energy have resurfaced as policymakers explore longterm baseload power solutions that can support future economic growth while reducing carbon emissions.
Globally, the economics of solar deployment continue to improve, with floating solar systems gaining particular attention for their ability to optimise land use, reduce water evaporation and potentially generate higher energy yields.
POWERING OUR FUTURE:
Solar power is set to become a key pillar of the country ' s future energy landscape.
For Malaysia, the transition represents more than an environmental agenda.
Solar energy is increasingly intertwined with the country’ s ambitions to attract ESG-focused investments, strengthen industrial competitiveness, support digital transformation and position itself as a regional green economy hub.
The coming years will likely determine whether Malaysia can successfully translate its ambitious renewable energy targets into large-scale implementation— and whether solar power can truly become the backbone of the nation’ s next energy chapter.
Gentari tightens safety focus at Kedah solar project
GENTARI is reinforcing its safety and operational standards as construction progresses on its 150MWp Large-Scale Solar 5( LSS5) facility in Kuala Muda, Kedah— one of Malaysia’ s major renewable energy projects under the National Energy Transition Roadmap( NETR).
The utility-scale solar project is part of Malaysia’ s broader push to accelerate renewable energy adoption and reduce carbon emissions while supporting future electricity demand driven by industrial growth and digital infrastructure expansion.
Senior management recently conducted a site safety visit to the project, underlining Gentari’ s emphasis on responsible construction practices, environmental compliance and workforce safety during the development phase.
The Kedah facility was awarded under Malaysia’ s LSS5 programme, currently the country’ s largest solar initiative with an estimated national capacity target of 2,000MWac. The programme plays a critical role in Malaysia’ s ambition to achieve 70 per cent renewable energy capacity by 2050.
Once operational, Gentari’ s solar photovoltaic plant is expected to contribute 150MWp of clean electricity to the national grid under a 21-year power purchase agreement. The project is also projected to reduce approximately 166,766 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually.
Gentari group chief operating officer and Malaysia country head Shah Yang Razalli said the company’ s priority was to ensure the project is delivered on time while maintaining high technical and safety standards throughout construction.
Beyond clean energy generation, the project is expected to create economic benefits for the region through employment opportunities and supply chain activities linked to construction and future operations.
PROJECT UPDATE: Once completed, Gentari ' s latest solar project will support the country ' s transition to cleaner energy while helping reduce carbon emissions.
Industry observers note that large-scale renewable projects are increasingly becoming central to Malaysia’ s industrial transformation strategy, particularly as the country positions itself to attract ESG-focused investments and strengthen energy security.
The Kedah development also reflects a growing trend in which execution quality, infrastructure resilience, and workplace safety are becoming key benchmarks in Malaysia’ s accelerating energy transition. – @ green