On the map of energy utilization in Southeast Asian waters, a transformation driven by photovoltaics is quietly unfolding. Recently, UAE energy giant Masdar officially entered the Malaysian market and signed a power purchase agreement for the 200MW floating solar project at Chereh Dam in Pahang state. This water-based photovoltaic power station with a total investment of over 200 million US dollars is not only Malaysia's first large-scale water-based photovoltaic project led by international capital, but will also become the largest floating solar power generation facility in Southeast Asia after completion, marking that this water rich tropical country is accelerating the development of a new path of "water-based energy".

Dual breakthroughs in technological leadership and economies of scale

The project adopts the most advanced floating photovoltaic technology system currently available, covering a total area of approximately 950 acres with a peak power generation capacity exceeding 300MWp. In response to the unique hydrological environment of the Chereh Dam, the technical team has developed a customized floating system solution. Through the natural cooling effect of the water surface, the power generation efficiency can be improved by 5% -10%, while effectively reducing the evaporation of the reservoir by more than 30%, achieving the dual goals of "power generation efficiency improvement+water resource protection". The project plans to install over 500000 high-efficiency photovoltaic modules and achieve remote monitoring and predictive maintenance through an intelligent operation and maintenance system, ensuring a system availability rate of over 98% during the 25 year operation period. This large-scale technological application not only reflects the maturity of floating photovoltaic technology, but also provides a complete technological paradigm for energy development in tropical water areas.

Deep Practice of Strategic Layout and Localization Collaboration

This project landing is the first achievement of Masdar's strategic cooperation with the Malaysian Investment and Development Authority's "10GW Renewable Energy Roadmap", marking a deep alignment between international capital and local policies. At the implementation level, Masdar has adopted a tripartite cooperation model of "international capital+local partners+national power grid": jointly forming a development consortium with Citagllobal and Tiza Global, signing a 20-year power purchase agreement with State Grid TNB, and signing a special site agreement with the Pahang state government. This collaborative architecture not only ensures policy compliance and social acceptance of the project, but also drives the development of related industries through local supply chain participation. It is worth noting that the project was awarded through Malaysia's fifth round of large-scale solar energy program bidding, and Masdar obtained the lowest bid price based on its global project experience, demonstrating the competitive advantage of international enterprises in technology cost control.

Multidimensional value extension of regional energy transformation

The comprehensive benefits generated by this project far exceed the scope of simple power generation. On the energy front, it can provide approximately 320 million kilowatt hours of clean electricity annually, meeting the electricity needs of 190000 households and helping Malaysia take a crucial step towards its goal of 35% renewable energy by 2030. At the environmental level, compared to traditional thermal power, it can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 220000 tons per year, equivalent to planting 3 million trees. At the socio-economic level, the project construction period will create over 800 job opportunities, and approximately 100 professional and technical personnel will be required during the operation period, driving the development of the industrial chain through local procurement. More importantly, as a benchmark case of floating photovoltaics in Southeast Asia, this project's financing model (using non recourse project financing), technical solution, and operational experience are being studied and referenced by other countries in the region. Masdar has conducted a feasibility study with Sarawak Energy Company on the Murum Reservoir project, demonstrating the replicability and scalability potential of this model. Keywords: Photovoltaic New Energy News, Photovoltaic New Energy Information

With the advancement of the Chereh project, Malaysia is transitioning from a traditional hydroelectric country to a hybrid energy system that combines hydropower and photovoltaics. Masdar, with the localized experience established through this project, is expected to gain a first mover advantage in the ASEAN water photovoltaic market. Driven by both climate goals and energy security, this Southeast Asian region, which is dotted with rivers and lakes, may become the next hotspot for global floating photovoltaic development. (This article is from the official website www.seetao.com of Jiandao. Reproduction without permission is prohibited, otherwise it will be prosecuted. Please indicate Jiandao website+original link when reprinting.) Jiandao website photovoltaic column editor/Gao Xue