Masdar Begins Work on 200MW Floating Solar Project in Malaysia

Abu Dhabi-based clean energy firm Masdar has commenced construction on its inaugural project in Malaysia, a floating solar installation expected to be among the largest in Southeast Asia.

Project Details and Financing

The 200-megawatt Chereh Dam solar photovoltaic facility in the state of Pahang is being developed by a consortium that includes Malaysia’s Citaglobal construction company and investment firm Tiza Global, Masdar announced on Thursday.

Financing for the project was completed on Tuesday, with approximately 580 million ringgit (USD 142.9 million) secured from three international lenders, according to Masdar. Initial plans for the development were unveiled in December of last year, when the project’s value was estimated at around USD 208 million.

Economic and Energy Impact

The Chereh project is designed to generate clean electricity sufficient to power the equivalent of 100,000 homes, and is expected to create about 1,500 jobs, opening up economic opportunities in Pahang, Masdar stated.

The venture combines Masdar’s expertise in floating solar technology, demonstrated through its work on the 145MW Cirata project in Indonesia, with Citaglobal’s capabilities in infrastructure and energy development, and Tiza’s experience in project development and local stakeholder engagement.

Masdar Chief Executive Mohamed Al Ramahi highlighted the strategic significance of Malaysia and the wider Southeast Asia region, citing rising electricity demand, growing renewable energy potential, and continued investment flows.

“Chereh marks an important milestone in our long-term commitment to Malaysia and our expansion across Southeast Asia,” he said. “By combining Masdar’s global floating solar expertise with strong local partnerships, we will support Malaysia’s energy ambitions while creating jobs and new economic opportunities in Pahang.”

Masdar’s Regional and Global Expansion

Masdar, jointly owned by Taqa, Adnoc, and Mubadala, has developed projects in multiple countries with a combined capacity exceeding 65GW. Its entry into Malaysia follows previous moves in Asia.

The company has signed agreements to develop power plants in Indonesia, including what was then Southeast Asia’s largest floating solar plant, and to build renewable energy projects with a capacity of 1GW in the Philippines.

In August, Masdar launched its second battery energy storage system project in the UK, continuing to strengthen its presence there amid rising demand for clean energy. In July, Masdar and ScottishPower completed a major construction stage at a USD 5.42 billion offshore wind farm project off the English coast, which is expected to be one of the largest globally.

The Chereh 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,” said the Sultan of Pahang, Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al Mustafa Billah Shah.