Deal inked to tap into green power source

A STUDY to explore the potential development of floating solar photovoltaic cells near hydroelectric dams and reservoirs in Perak is being carried out.It will look at the possibility of tapping into renewable energy sources to pave the way for sustainable power generation which will reduce impact on the environment.

The study will be jointly conducted by Perak State Development Corporation (PKNP) and Tenaga Nasional Bhd’s Power Generation Sdn Bhd (TNB Genco) near the Sungai Perak hydroelectric dam and reservoir for two years.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed during the Energy Transition Exhibition 2023 in Kuala Lumpur for this purpose.

Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad witnessed the MOU signing, which was also attended by PKNP chief executive Datuk Redza Rafiq, TNB Genco business development and commercial executive vice-president Datuk Hisham Abdul Halim and TNB chairman Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Majid.

Saarani said the state was committed to achieving 70% renewable energy capacity by 2050, as part of its commitment to the National Energy Transition Plan (NETR).

“The state government is proactively promoting green technology initiatives in the state.

“Following the recent launch of NETR Phase 1, PKNP and TNB Genco expressed interest in collaborating to explore the development of floating solar photovoltaic cells,” he said, adding that PKNP was responsible for overseeing the green technology agenda.

“This supports the NETR flagship plan to develop floating solar power with a potential total capacity of 2,500MW on TNB’s hydro dams, serving electricity generation and energy storage.

“During the state executive council meeting this February, it was agreed for PKNP to gradually implement the floating solar farm development project.

“This implementation will be carried out under the large-scale solar scheme, based on industry demand and the feasibility studies conducted in suitable regions within Perak,” he added.