Penang’s RM103 million solar farm project will add 30 MWp of green energy by 2027, supporting national renewable targets and attracting high-tech investment.
NIBONG TEBAL: Penang is actively enhancing its solar energy capacity through multiple initiatives.
The state is building solar farms, collaborating with industry to install rooftop panels, and exploring floating solar potential.
This move was strengthened with the groundbreaking of the Large-Scale Solar Farm Project 5 (LSS5).
The RM103 million project is expected to supply 29.99 megawatt peak (MWp) of capacity by July 2027.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the initiative supports the national target of 40% renewable energy by 2035.
He added it would also become a “magnet” for green investment in the state’s high-tech sector.
“The LSS5 project in Byram will complement the state’s existing green energy portfolio,” he told reporters after the ceremony.
This includes the LSS4 project in Seberang Perai Tengah and the solar project in Bukit Bendera.
The project is led by Penang Development Corporation subsidiary Solar Voltech Sdn Bhd. Solarvest Holdings Bhd has been appointed as the Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Operation contractor.
Close public-private collaboration proves local expertise can lead high-impact energy transformation.
The state is also interested in exploring floating solar at the Mengkuang and Teluk Bahang Dams.
State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said they await federal guidelines.
These are needed to ensure drinking water quality is not affected before implementation by the Penang Water Supply Corporation.
“This floating solar project in particular faces greater challenges than hydroelectric dams,” he said. It requires approval from various agencies including the Department of Environment.
“The lack of these guidelines has been the ‘bottleneck’ in the delay,” Zairil added. Apart from dams, several local solar companies are exploring solar energy generation in sea areas around Penang.
He said Penang Port Sdn Bhd had also shown interest in adapting this technology. The port company has appointed a consultant to conduct a feasibility study in their area of jurisdiction.
