Pahang:Masdar, alongside Citaglobal Berhad and TIZA Global Sdn Bhd, has initiated construction on the 200-megawatt Chereh Dam Floating Solar PV Project in Pahang, Malaysia. The project is being developed by Chereh Solar Sdn Bhd and is anticipated to begin operations by 2028. It aims to generate sufficient clean electricity to power approximately 100,000 homes and will create around 1,500 jobs during its development and construction phase.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Chereh project is one of the largest floating solar developments in Southeast Asia. Masdar's experience with floating solar technology, such as the 145MW Cirata project in Indonesia, combined with Citaglobal's infrastructure and energy development skills, and TIZA Global's project development expertise, are key elements in the project's development.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by His Royal Highness Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, the Sultan of Pahang, and Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, Chief Minister of Pahang, along with senior leadership from the project partners. His Royal Highness emphasized the project's alignment with Pahang's commitment to sustainable development and its potential to contribute to Malaysia's renewable energy goals.
Masdar's CEO, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, highlighted Malaysia's strategic importance due to its rising electricity demand and renewable energy potential. He noted that the Chereh project marks a significant milestone in Masdar's expansion in Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, Mohamad Norza Zakaria, Executive Chairman and President of Citaglobal Berhad and TIZA Global, emphasized the project's role in expanding Citaglobal's renewable power portfolio and the importance of delivering the project in collaboration with Masdar.
Financial close for the project was achieved on October 27, with approximately 580 million MYR raised from international lenders. A power purchase agreement was signed with Tenaga Nasional Berhad in December 2025 for a 21-year electricity sale term. The project was secured under Malaysia's Large Scale Solar Cycle 5+ programme, offering the lowest tariff in its category.
This project is Masdar's first in Malaysia and forms part of its 10-gigawatt renewable energy roadmap with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority. The use of an existing reservoir for solar generation supports Malaysia's goal of increasing renewable energy's share in its electricity generation capacity to 35% by 2030.
