Pahang floating solar project worth RM850 million expected to create 1,500 jobs
The Chereh Dam development involves Citaglobal Bhd, Masdar and Tiza Global Sdn Bhd, with completion targeted for the end of March 2028.
A floating solar photovoltaic (PV) development costing RM850 million at Pahang's Chereh Dam is expected to provide about 1,500 jobs, particularly during construction, Citaglobal Bhd group chief operating officer Datuk Aimi Aizal Nasharuddin said.
Aimi said the project would occupy about 1,500 acres (607 hectares) on the reservoir, with completion targeted for the end of March 2028. Employment opportunities would include hydrographic surveying, construction and electrical engineering, alongside other engineering and related work.
The partners are Citaglobal Bhd, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC (Masdar) and Tiza Global Sdn Bhd. Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, officiated at its groundbreaking ceremony in Kuantan on Oct 29.
Citaglobal New Energy Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Chairil Nazri Ahmad said the panels' combined capacity was estimated at 307 MW, with exports to the grid capped at 200 MW. Output would vary with weather and available sunlight, he said.
Chairil said water-mounted panels generally run at lower temperatures than land-mounted systems, potentially improving generation efficiency. He added that placing panels over the reservoir could limit evaporation and help conserve water.
