KUALA LUMPUR: TNB Renewables Sdn Bhd (TRe), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), is keen on a partnership with Citaglobal Bhd for the development of renewable energy (RE) projects in Malaysia.
Potential areas of collaboration between TNB and Citaglobal include Project 2GW, a US$2 billion (RM9.75 billion) 2-gigawatt (2GW) solar farm project in Pahang.
A 60:40 consortium for Project 2GW, comprising United Arab Emirates (USE) state-owned renewable energy company Masdar, Citaglobal and TIZA Global Sdn Bhd, had been formalised via a joint development agreement (JDA) on December 1, 2023.
The JDA was signed during the United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP 28), with the JDA document exchange witnessed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, and the UAE president Sheikh Mohamed Zayed Al Nahyan.
Following the JDA, on December 2, 2023, Citaglobal and Masdar signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with TRe for a strategic collaboration in renewable energy projects, including Project 2GW.
The MoU, also signed during COP 28, is to discuss further potential areas of collaboration, including Project 2GW, battery energy storage system (BESS), and potential collaboration on future renewable energy projects under the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).
The MoU will be valid and effective from December 2, 2023, and remain in effect for the next two years.
Project 2GW involves developing up to 2GW of renewable energy in Pahang.
The project will see the construction of ground-mounted solar arrays, floating solar farms, and BESS across multiple sites on suitable land, dams, and lakes across Pahang.
The project will be developed over a few phases over five years.
Citaglobal has received full support from the Pahang state government to develop and execute renewable energy projects, particularly for the approval of land.
Citaglobal executive chairman and president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria said the presence of TRe is a big win.
"We are honoured to work with them and warmly welcome TRe into our partnership. TRe's extensive infrastructure, site planning, asset management and evaluation expertise will significantly value Project 2GW's entire lifecycle.
"The presence of blue-chip partners like TRe and Masdar strengthens our resources regarding finance, infrastructure, and shared innovations.
"This collaboration will also help with the security of supply, making renewables a more viable option to replace fossil fuels.
"We aim to formalise the participation of TRe within the JDA agreement as soon as possible," he said in a statement.
TNB chairman Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Majid said the company is looking forward to joining hands with Citaglobal and Masdar for the solar farm project.
"Malaysia's robust economy and renewable resources make it a prime investment hub. Our deepening collaboration emphasises our commitment to advancing renewable energy aligned with Malaysia's National Energy Transition Roadmap," he said.
Abdul Razak said innovative projects like these at COP28 are pivotal for the regional energy transition amid the climate crisis.
"TRe's involvement enhances our expertise in large-scale renewables, strengthening our partnership and collective goal to drive impactful change and fast-track Malaysia's sustainable energy future," Abdul Razak said.