Abu Dhabi-based renewables developer Masdar and two Malaysia-headquartered companies, state-owned utility Sarawak Energy and clean energy solutions provider Gentari, have signed a joint study agreement to assess the feasibility of a floating solar project.

The proposed project would be installed at the reservoir of Murum Hydroelectric Plant in the state of Malaysian state of Sarawak, on the northern coast of Borneo.

November’s Africa-focused edition of pv magazine looks at the prospects of ‘Made in Africa’ solar panels and novel approaches to involve PV companies in funding grid infrastructure and to make buying domestic solar electricity as simple as getting the groceries. Elsewhere, we consider intercontinental interconnectors and India’s nascent green hydrogen industry.

The study will assess the potential for a large-scale floating array on the Murum reservoir, encompassing technical feasibility, environmental impact, and economic viability to determine whether the project can be successfully implemented.

Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi said the deal follows an agreement made with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority in 2023 to develop 10 GW of clean energy projects across the country.

The project will be Masdar’s second floating solar installation in Southeast Asia after a 145 MW array in Cirata, Indonesia.

The world’s largest offshore floating solar plant, a 440 MW project in Taiwan, was recently commissioned.