KUALA LUMPUR: Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) is embarking on hybrid hydro-floating solar (HHFS) photovoltaic (PV) projects under the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) at its hydro dam reservoirs.
TNB chief executive officer Datuk Seri Baharin Din said the company is motivated to carry out the HHFS PV projects after the success of its pilot project at Stesen Janakuasa Sultan Azlan Shah (SJSAS) in Manjung, Perak.
“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 2,500 megawatts (MW) of HHFS PV projects.
“This responsible energy transition initiative offers sustainable energy solutions with positive ecological impacts,” he said in a statement today.
The company plans to expedite the implementation of the 2,500MW HHFS, beginning with 30MW at its Chenderoh hydro-reservoir (Perak), to be closely followed by its Temenggor (Perak) and Kenyir (Terengganu) 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 said.
According to the statement, TNB has signed partnerships with Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Perak (PKNP) and Terengganu Incorporated to ensure that the HHFS development is carried out successfully and responsibly.
Since 2019, TNB’s floating solar PV on a 175-hectare ash pond in SJSAS has generated more than 600 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy.
The 288 solar PV modules installed comprise 105.12 kilowatt peak (kWp) of capacity, equivalent to a reduction of 390 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) during four years of operation or CO2 uptake by 15,624 trees. The electricity generated from this system can meet the needs of 30 houses.
Baharin said by utilising bodies of water for solar installations, the company can conserve land usage, preserve land natural habitats, reduce water evaporation, minimise pollution and support biodiversity with minimal disruption to the aquatic ecosystems.
Unlike traditional thermal power plants, floating solar farms do not have water or air discharges that could negatively impact water or air quality, he said.
“Overall, it presents a harmonious integration of renewable energy generation with environmental conservation.
“Meticulous planning and environmental impact assessments are vital to ensure the sustainable integration of these installations into the water ecosystems,” Baharin said