Looking to use large water surface area for potential solar energy generation, Tenaga Nasional Berhad is embarking on HHFS Photovoltaic (PV) projects under National Energy Transition Roadmap at its hydro dam reservoirs.
“The pilot project in SJSAS was a remarkable success. We utilised the water’s surface area. As the country moves towards a low-carbon future and environmental sustainability, TNB, through TNB Power Generation Sdn Bhd (TNB Genco), is planning to build 2500 Megawatt (MW) of HHFS. This responsible Energy Transition initiative offers sustainable energy solutions with positive ecological impacts,” said TNB President and Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Seri Ir. Baharin Din.
He explained that by utilising bodies of water for solar installations, TNB can conserve land usage, preserve land natural habitats, and reduce water evaporation. Unlike traditional thermal power plants, floating solar farms do not have water or air discharges that could negatively impact water or air quality. Hence, it minimises pollution and supports biodiversity with minimal disruption to the aquatic ecosystems.
For TNB’s mini floating solar at SJSAS, we conducted an ecology study through TNB’s wholly-owned research arm, TNB Research Sdn Bhd (TNBR). Every component of the floating solar system was carefully chosen & designed. Even the floaters or pontoons were made of certified food-grade high-density polyethene to minimise the impact on water quality. The project has shown no adverse impact on wildlife living in the surrounding area.”
Since 2019, the Floating Solar PV located on a 175-hectare ash pond in SJSAS has generated more than 600MWh of energy. The 288 solar PV modules installed comprise 105.12kWp of capacity, equivalent to a reduction of 390 tonnes of CO2 during 4 years of operation or CO2 uptake by 15,624 trees. The electricity generated from this system can meet the needs of 30 houses.
TNB plans to expedite the implementation of the 2500MW HHFS, beginning with 30MW at its Chenderoh Hydro-reservoir, to be closely followed by locations at its Temenggor and Kenyir Hydro-reservoirs. “Floating solar farms can complement other renewable energy sources to power the national grid with the potential to boost clean power significantly,” Baharin added.
The utility giant has penned partnerships with the relevant state agencies with Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Perak (PKNPk) and Terengganu Incorporated (TI) to ensure that the HHFS development is carried out successfully and responsibly.
Source : BusinessToday