SOUTHEAST ASIA CONSTRUCTION25 Mar 2021
Masdar and Petronas to explore renewable energy projects in Asia

Masdar, a global leader in renewable energy and sustainable urban development headquartered in the UAE, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Petronas, a Malaysia-based global energy and solutions company, to explore renewable energy opportunities across Asia and beyond. 

The two partners have agreed to explore joint participation in a range of areas, with a focus on utility-scale renewable energy, including ground-mounted and floating solar projects, as well as offshore wind projects in Asia, and potentially other regions and other technologies. Apart from Malaysia, both partners are also interested in countries in the region that have pledged to accelerate the development of renewable energy, including Vietnam and Taiwan.

“This agreement marks an important step on Masdar’s journey to expand our presence in the Asian market, where we see tremendous potential given the region’s rapid economic growth and potential renewable energy resources,” said Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar. “We look forward to collaborating with Petronas, a world leader in the energy sector and a company committed to sustainable development, to meet the growing demand for renewable energy solutions across the region.”

Petronas’ president and group CEO Tengku Muhammad Taufik Tengku Aziz said, “Petronas’ MoU with Masdar marks another milestone in our existing partnership with Mubadala, which will now include a focus on renewables and green hydrogen. We are pleased to collaborate with Masdar which shares the same commitment towards a low-carbon agenda. In line with our Statement of Purpose, we look forward to powering more businesses with cleaner energy solutions, leveraging on our respective geographical and technological strengths to bring more sustainable energy projects to fruition.”

Petronas currently has over 1 GWp of solar capacity in operation and under development for commercial and industrial customers in India and Southeast Asia. In Malaysia, Petronas has embarked on solar rooftop solutions and has over 90 MWp of capacity under development for commercial and industrial customers.

Last year, Masdar made its first investment into Southeast Asia, signing a power purchase agreement with PLN, the state electricity company in Indonesia, for the first floating solar photovoltaic plant in the country. In December, it announced the formation of a joint venture company to develop the 145-MWac project – the largest of its kind in the region.

Also last year in Indonesia, Masdar submitted the lowest tariff for the Saguling floating solar photovoltaic 60-MWac project in the context of the Hijaunesia tender process, highlighting Masdar’s commitment to investing and growing in the region.

Photo © Masdar