Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), Malaysia’s leading electricity utility, has launched a 100 kilowatt (kW) floating solar pilot project at Kenyir Lake, marking a significant step toward expanding clean energy solutions through innovative use of existing water resources.
The pilot project involves the installation of solar photovoltaic panels on floating structures across the surface of Kenyir Lake, Malaysia’s largest man-made reservoir. The solar array, covering approximately 1,000 square meters, will generate electricity to support dam operations under a self-consumption model, reducing the facility’s dependency on grid power.
This floating solar initiative is part of TNB’s broader Hybrid Hydro-Floating Solar (HHFS) strategy, which aims to combine solar generation with hydropower for a more reliable and sustainable energy supply. During the day, solar panels will generate power, while the existing hydroelectric system can provide backup during nighttime or low-sunlight periods, creating a complementary and efficient energy ecosystem.
By utilizing the surface of water bodies for solar installations, the project helps conserve land, reduces water evaporation, and avoids the need for deforestation or large-scale land clearing. It also sets the foundation for scaling up floating solar projects across other reservoirs in Malaysia, including future plans to explore gigawatt-level capacity from hybrid systems.
TNB’s move aligns with Malaysia’s national energy transition goals, including the target to achieve 70% renewable energy in the power mix by 2050. The project also supports efforts to lower carbon emissions and foster innovation in green technology, especially in areas where land availability is limited.
As a pilot, the Kenyir Lake project will serve as a testbed for evaluating technical performance, environmental impact, and long-term cost efficiency, paving the way for larger deployments in the near future.
With this initiative, TNB reinforces its commitment to clean energy leadership and positions Malaysia to be at the forefront of sustainable power generation in Southeast Asia.
