Sarawak Energy group CEO Datuk Sharbini Suhaili
KUCHING: Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) has awarded its first large-scale floating solar farm project to China’s Trina Solar Co Ltd.
The 50MW floating solar photovoltaic project on Batang Ai hydroelectric dam in Sri Aman Division spans over 190 ha.
Batang Ai, which has an installed capacity of 108MW, was the first hydroelectric dam built in 1980s by SEB.
The state power utility currently also owns the 2,400MW Bakun hydro dam and 944MW Murim hydro dam, both located in the upper Rejang basin in central Sarawak.
SEB is in the midst of constructing the 1,285MW Baleh hydro dam, due for completion by 2027.
SEB executive vice-president for strategy and corporate development Ting Ching Zung said with its innovative design and strategic location, the floating solar farm project will harness the potential sunlight and utilise the hydro reservoir water body resources.
The energy generated by the floating solar farm will be connected to the state grid.
Once operational, it will generate clean and sustainable electricity, meeting the rising energy demand of the region while significantly reducing carbon emissions.
“We are thrilled to commence the construction of the Batang Ai floating solar farm, which represents a significant step forward in our renewable energy journey.
“This initiative showcases our dedication to diversifying our energy mix into renewable energy,” said Ting during a recent ceremony to hand over the project site to Trina Solar.
The project is expected to be completed by end-2024.
According to Trina Solar, the floating solar farm project will use N-type bi-facial high efficiency photovoltaic modules alongside string inverters to improve system performance efficiency and reduce the project’s levelised cost of electricity.
Trina Solar has been delivering residential and commercial photovoltaic panels across the global from its manufacturing base in China.
In addition to building the floating solar plant, Trina will also upgrade the high-voltage substation and carry out operations and maintenance services for the project.
Ting said by forging strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as Trina Solar, SEB demonstrates its commitment to a sustainable energy future and its influential role in renewable energy development.
“Through projects such as the Batang Ai floating solar farm, SEB will continue to drive the development of innovative and environmentally friendly energy solutions.
“The Batang Ai floating solar farm project symbolises SEB’s vision of a cleaner and greener future.
“With renewable energy at its core, this initiative drives sustainable economic growth while preserving the natural beauty of Sarawak,” he added.
SEB chief executive officer Datuk Sharbini Suhaili said the company aims to install at least 400MW of floating power capacity at its hydro dams by 2030.
Besides solar energy, SEB is also exploring other alternative energy sources like hybrid wind.
SEB, which aims to be a regional power house, has been exporting electricity to west Kalimantan, Indonesia.
SEB will next export power to Sabah via northern Sarawak’s interconnection network. The company is also in discussions with Brunei and Singapore to export hydropower to them.
