SolarDuck AS, TNB Renewables Sdn Bhd, and TNB Research Sdn Bhd, wholly owned subsidiaries of Tenaga Nasional Berhad, and Hydro Extrusion Norway AS, have announced an exciting new project in Malaysia as part of the global rollout of Offshore Floating Solar.
“We are extremely pleased to start working with TRe, TNBR, and Hydro. For SolarDuck, this means that we are building a footprint in Malaysia, a region with the world’s largest potential for OFS”, says Koen Burgers, CEO SolarDuck.
SolarDuck will install a 780kW offshore floating solar (OFS) plant off the coast of Tioman Island in Malaysia to assess the technical and economic feasibility of OFS in Malaysia.[1]
The project will accelerate technology development for stand-alone use in tropical areas and support OFS cost competitiveness by 2030.
The signing of the LOI demonstrates the commitment of all four companies to OFS technology, creating synergies that will accelerate the development and adoption of offshore floating solar energy in Malaysia and the region.
Malaysia is taking steps towards a net zero future by diversifying its energy mix and creating a renewable energy system.
“The main goal of TNB is to get to net zero while providing a reliable and cost-competitive energy supply without jeopardizing the environment. Offshore floating solar provides an exciting opportunity for achieving this”, says Zarihi Hashim, Chief New Energy Officer of TNB.
Southeast Asia needs more opportunities for wind energy, and solar developments on land are hampered by land scarcity and public resistance.
Taking solar out to sea provides new opportunities for TNB, Malaysia, and the region.
Hydro is focusing on renewable energy and circularity and will supply the aluminum profiles for the project.
They are on an ambitious path to net zero and actively participate in innovative projects and new industry initiatives.
The project with TNB will include deliveries from Hydro plants in Lichtervelde, Belgium, and Magnor, Norway.
“We are excited to be part of building a new industry for offshore floating solar. Solar energy is an important part of the necessary shift to renewable energy, and aluminium profiles are the perfect fit for such installations being light-weight and requiring no maintenance for several decades”, says Bruno D’hondt, senior vice president in Hydro Extrusions.
References
- Renewable Energy Magazine, ‘TNB Renewables and TNB Research have signed LOI with SolarDuck and Hydro’, 9 May 2023, https://www.renewableenergymagazine.com/pv_solar/tnb-renewables-and-tnb-research-have-signed-20230616/.[↩]
