Penang: Penang plans to develop floating solar projects in line with the state government’s efforts to achieve a target of 10 per cent renewable energy by 2030. State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the project is seen as a suitable alternative in efforts to expand the use of renewable energy sources due to land constraints in Penang and the high cost of developing ground-mounted solar farms.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, his team is currently considering various strategic locations with the potential to implement the project, including dam areas such as the Teluk Bahang Dam and Mengkuang Dam. Zairil highlighted that dams are most suitable for floating solar projects in terms of area and water stability, unlike the sea where there are unique challenges and different panel installation methods.
However, Zairil noted that many matters need to be examined first, given that the dams are sources of drinking water supply and are managed by the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP). Therefore, approval and a more thorough study are required. He shared these insights with reporters after attending the Malaysian Photovoltaic Sustainable Energy Association (MPSEA) Solar Roadshow 2025.
Zairil also emphasized the importance of the floating solar project on Silicon Island, an area under active development that requires renewable energy sources as an alternative energy supply. He noted that the state government aims to expedite the project’s implementation to support development on the artificial island as the state’s new green technology hub.
He explained that the project is particularly necessary on Silicon Island because the first area to be developed is the technology park. With factories expected to start operating in two years, the demand for renewable energy, especially solar, is significant.
Earlier in his speech, Zairil reiterated the state government’s commitment to promoting energy efficiency through the Penang Energy Framework adopted in 2024. The framework sets clear targets of 10 per cent renewable energy and 25 per cent energy efficiency improvements by 2030. It mandates the installation and use of renewable energy systems for all new non-residential buildings and requires the collection of building energy intensity data for all buildings in Penang.
He added that the Penang government plans to expand its energy framework to include energy use in other sectors, such as industry and transport.