Abu Dhabi’s Masdar is expanding further in Malaysia in a partnership with the Malaysian investment holding company Citaglobal Berhad as the duo aims to develop 2 GW renewable energy projects, including solar and rural, off-grid initiatives in the state of Pahang.  

Other renewable energy technologies the partners will explore under the memorandum of understanding (MoU) include wind and battery energy storage systems (BESS), among others. Masdar is already exploring utility scale renewable energy projects in Malaysia, Vietnam and other parts of Asia in collaboration with Petronas since 2021 (see Masdar & Malaysia’s Petronas Join Hands For RE).   

“The MoU will also facilitate the potential collaboration between Masdar and Citaglobal related to technology solutions and equipment supply outside of Malaysia with a focus on Central Asia,” said Citaglobal’s Executive Chairman and President Tan Sri Mohamed Norza Zakaria.  

Solar is one of the central focuses of Malaysia’s new energy plan that it announced recently. HEXA Renewables will build a 1 GW hybrid solar power plant as one of the 10 catalyst projects under the new plan. Rooftop solar too takes up a significant space in the same (see Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap Part 1).  

Beyond Malaysia, Masdar is exploring other Southeast Asian markets as well, including the 145 MW Cirata Floating Solar Plant in Indonesia, calling it the largest floating solar facility in Southeast Asia (see Financial Closure For 145 MW AC Floating PV Project). It plans to expand in the region further in line with its target to achieve 100 GW clean energy portfolio and 1-million-ton green hydrogen by 2030, up from 20 GW of generation capacity it commands now