Masdar, Citaglobal and TIZA Begin Construction of 200 MW Floating Solar Project in Malaysia

Masdar, Citaglobal Berhad and TIZA Global have commenced construction of the 200-megawatt (MW) Chereh Dam Floating Solar PV Project in Pahang, Malaysia. Announced on 29 October 2026, the development is expected to become one of Southeast Asia's largest floating solar facilities, with commercial operations scheduled to begin in 2028. Developed through the partners' project company, Chereh Solar Sdn Bhd, the plant is expected to generate enough clean electricity to power the equivalent of approximately 100,000 homes and create around 1,500 jobs during development and construction.

The project reached financial close on 27 October 2026, securing approximately MYR 580 million in financing from three international lenders. Chereh Solar previously signed a 21-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Malaysia's national utility, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), in December 2025. The project was awarded through Malaysia's Large Scale Solar (LSS) Cycle 5+ competitive tender programme, with the consortium submitting the lowest tariff bid in the floating solar category. The long-term agreement provides a contracted electricity sales arrangement to support project development and financing.

 

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Chereh is Masdar's first renewable energy project in Malaysia and the first development under its 10-gigawatt renewable energy roadmap, agreed with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) in 2023. The project combines Masdar's experience developing floating solar facilities, including the 145 MW Cirata project in Indonesia, with Citaglobal's infrastructure capabilities and TIZA Global's local development expertise. Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Masdar's Chief Executive Officer, said, "As our first project in the country, Chereh marks an important milestone in our long-term commitment to Malaysia and our expansion across Southeast Asia."

By installing solar panels on an existing reservoir, the project is designed to reduce the need for land-based solar installations while contributing to Malaysia's renewable electricity capacity. The country aims to increase renewables to 35% of installed electricity generation capacity by 2030. The partners have also signed a Site Agreement with Pahang Water & Energy Resources to support the development and will coordinate with local authorities and communities throughout construction and operations.

The project forms part of Masdar's broader expansion in Southeast Asia, where the company is also studying a potential floating solar installation at the Murum reservoir in Sarawak. For Citaglobal, Chereh will strengthen its renewable energy portfolio alongside its existing infrastructure, hydropower and Bio-CNG activities. While construction has begun and financing has been secured, the project's anticipated electricity generation, employment benefits and 2028 operational milestone remain subject to successful completion.

 

Source: Masdar