Malaysia launches construction of largest floating solar plant with 300 MW capacity

Addis Ababa, February 17, 2026 (FMC) – Construction has started in the state of Selangor on the country’s largest floating solar power plant. The facility will have a capacity of 300 megawatts, placing it among the biggest installations of its type in Southeast Asia. The value of the project exceeds US$220 million, TV BRICS reported, citing its Malaysian partner BERNAMA.

The station will occupy around 430 hectares, with more than 80 per cent of the capacity to be deployed on water. The floating panels will be installed on reservoirs used to store raw water that are tapped during the dry season, while the remaining equipment will be placed on land. State authorities stressed that advanced technologies, including aeration and algae growth control, will ensure that water quality remains unaffected.

The plant is expected to generate about 640 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, enough to power approximately 150,000 households. The development forms part of Malaysia’s fifth large-scale solar programme (LSS5). By 2035, the country aims to raise the share of renewable energy in its generation mix to 40 per cent.

“In Malaysia, solar has become one of the most rapidly expanding renewable sources in recent years, reflecting strong national support for clean energy. Solar supports energy reliability for growth,” said Selangor state Chief Minister Amirudin Shari, the report added, citing a quote from Chinese media Xinhua News Agency,.

The Selangor authorities also anticipate broader economic effects from the project, including new investment flows, support for industrial and commercial activity, and the revitalisation of former mining areas.