Johor bahru: Permodalan Darul Ta’zim (PDT) and UEM Lestra Bhd have signed a Cooperation Agreement to develop a one gigawatt (GW) hybrid solar photovoltaic (PV) project in Segamat, Johor. The strategic collaboration aims to accelerate renewable energy development in the state, while strengthening Johor’s position as the country’s leading player in the clean energy sector.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Johor Sustainability Centre chairman, Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad, stated that the joint venture reflects Johor’s proactive stance in supporting sustainable development through green energy initiatives. He highlighted that the hybrid solar project in Segamat will not only reduce carbon emissions but also create opportunities for Johorians. This announcement was made at the ‘Accelerating Malaysia’s Green Transition From Vision To Action – Southern Region Edition’ programme held at Sunway Hotel Big Box.
Hasni, who also serves as Johor’s Economic and Investment Advisor, mentioned that the partnership will further strengthen the state’s green economy sector and position Johor as a regional leader in renewable energy. He emphasized that every clean energy initiative must deliver tangible benefits to public well-being and environmental conservation.
Earlier, Hasni represented Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi to witness the exchange of cooperation documents between PDT Group president and chief executive, Datuk Ramlee A. Rahman, and UEM Lestra chief executive officer, Harman Faiz Habib Muhamad. Also present was Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) chief executive Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman.
Harman Faiz articulated that the hybrid solar project showcases UEM Lestra’s commitment to inclusive economic growth that prioritizes environmental sustainability. The project will integrate solar PV systems with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) for efficient storage and use of generated energy.
Under the agreement, PDT will act as the lead coordinating partner, facilitating engagement with state authorities and attracting corporate participation in green energy procurement. Meanwhile, UEM Lestra, a wholly-owned subsidiary of UEM Group Bhd, will lead the development and implementation of the project through its joint venture company, Lestra HEXA.
The project, expected to be completed and commence operations by the first quarter of 2028, aims to generate over one million megawatt-hours (MWh) of green energy annually and reduce up to 800,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year. As a flagship project under the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), it will contribute significantly to the country’s decarbonisation goals and aligns with the Johor Renewable Energy Policy 2030, which prioritizes solar power as the primary source of clean energy.
It is anticipated to create up to 10,000 new jobs during its construction and operational phases, thereby strengthening local workforce skills in green energy technologies. The event also marked the conclusion of UEM Lestra’s national roadshow promoting the corporate renewable energy supply scheme (CRESS) green energy bidding platform, in collaboration with Bursa Carbon Exchange, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bursa Malaysia Bhd.