Masdar, Citaglobal and TIZA Global have marked the beginning of construction on the Chereh Dam Floating Solar PV Project, a 200MW renewable energy facility in Pahang, Malaysia.

The development is managed by their joint venture, Chereh Solar, and is scheduled to begin operations in 2028.

The Chereh floating solar plant aims to generate electricity equivalent to the needs of approximately 100,000 homes.

Around 1,500 jobs are expected to be created during the development and construction stages. The partners bring together expertise from previous large-scale solar initiatives.

Masdar’s role draws on experience from floating solar developments such as the 145MW Cirata project in Indonesia.

Citaglobal contributes its infrastructure and energy development capabilities, while TIZA Global focuses on project development and engagement with local stakeholders.

A groundbreaking ceremony in Pahang marked the start of the project. Attendees included Al-Sultan Abdullah, the Sultan of Pahang, Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, Chief Minister of Pahang, and senior representatives from the involved companies.

Al-Sultan Abdullah said: “The Chereh Floating Solar Project reflects how our natural resources can be used responsibly to contribute to Malaysia’s renewable energy ambitions, while bringing opportunities for local communities and industry.”

Financial close for the Chereh project was achieved on 27 October, with around RM580m ($143m) raised from three international lenders.

The financing system is designed to align with future project revenues and is expected to draw more international capital into the Malaysian renewable energy sector.

Chereh Solar agreed a 21-year power purchase agreement in December 2025 with national utility company Tenaga Nasional to supply electricity generated by the project.

The consortium secured the project through Malaysia’s Large Scale Solar Cycle 5+ tender, offering the lowest tariff in the floating solar category.

The Chereh project forms part of Citaglobal’s broader new energy platform and is Masdar’s first project in Malaysia under the 10GW renewable energy plan agreed with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority in 2023.

A site agreement with Pahang Water & Energy Resources has also been signed to support the project.

Use of the reservoir avoids the need for land-based solar sites and supports Malaysia’s target of raising renewable energy’s share in its installed capacity to 35% by 2030.