Sabah has unveiled two new large-scale solar (LSS) projects to strengthen its renewable energy initiatives and stabilise the state’s electricity supply.
Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said one of the projects is Sabah’s first floating solar facility at Babagon Dam, capable of generating up to 13.21MWac. The second project, located in Batu Sapi, Sandakan, will produce 15MWac.
“These projects will help stabilise electricity supply in Sabah, particularly along the east coast, where power generation has been a challenge,” he said during the launch at Babagon Dam.
Both solar farms, implemented by government-linked company Jetama Sdn Bhd, are expected to be operational by November 30 this year. At Babagon Dam, floating panels will cover about 16 hectares, or 20% of the dam’s surface, supporting the nearby Minintod substation 18 kilometres away. The Batu Sapi project will span 20 hectares and connect to the PPU Permai substation.
Jetama CEO Datuk Ahmad Naim Uddang said the projects are valued at RM63 million. Financing for Babagon Dam comes from Sabah Development Bank Bhd, while Batu Sapi is funded through AmBank. Both projects have 25-year power purchase agreements with Sabah Electricity.
Also present at the launch was Sabah Energy Commission (ECoS) CEO Datuk Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid. Last week, another 15MW LSS plant near the Teck Guan Group in Kolombong was inaugurated.
These initiatives align with the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040 (SE-RAMP 2040), which targets renewable energy to account for over 50% of the state’s energy mix by 2035 and 80% by 2050.
