Penang govt evaluating locations for floating solar projects

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government is assessing several strategic locations, including dams and coastal water bodies, to implement floating solar projects as part of efforts to strengthen its Renewable Energy (RE) sources.

State Infrastructure, Transport and Utilities Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said locations under consideration included the Teluk Bahang Dam, Mengkuang Dam and waters near the Penang Port.

He said that land-based solar farms were not ideal for Penang due to the scarcity and high value of available land.

Therefore, he said, installing solar panels on water surfaces was seen as a more practical alternative.

“Floating solar is a real possibility for Penang because we are surrounded by water. We are evaluating several sites, including dams and offshore areas,” he said after officiating a solar roadshow here today.

Zairil, however, noted that if a dam was used for potable water, like those at Teluk Bahang and Mengkuang, more rigorous studies and approvals would be necessary.

Zairil said the floating solar technology had already been successfully implemented in several countries, and Penang was keen on exploring it, particularly to support Silicon Island, which is in the early phase of development.

He said the first phase of Silicon Island involved the creation of a Technology Park, with factories expected to begin operations within the next two years.

“This drives the need for renewable energy sources like solar to support demand.

“However, the development plan for Silicon Island has already allocated 40 per cent of land for infrastructure, 30 per cent for green technology parks, and the remainder for commercial and residential use, making land-based solar farms unlikely,” he added.

Zairil also pointed out that private entities intending to sell solar-generated power to the national grid must obtain approval from the Energy Commission and participate in the relevant regulatory schemes.

If the power is for self-consumption — such as the proposal by Penang Port — the process is significantly simpler and faster.

In a related development, Zairil said Penang aimed to achieve 10 per cent renewable energy usage and 25 per cent energy efficiency by 2030 through the Penang Energy Framework introduced last year.

This framework also mandates renewable energy integration in new non-residential buildings and will be expanded to the industrial and transportation sectors to reduce carbon emissions.