TNB HHFS Project Roadmap: Phases, Sites, and Strategic Implementation
By Norazam Nordin
Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) is advancing Malaysia’s renewable energy landscape through its Hybrid Hydro Floating Solar (HHFS) initiative, which integrates floating solar panels with existing hydroelectric power stations. This approach not only conserves land but also enhances energy efficiency and supports environmental sustainability.
Key Benefits of Floating Solar Panels:
1. Land Preservation: Installing solar panels on water bodies conserves valuable land resources for other uses, such as agriculture or urban development.
2. Enhanced Efficiency: The natural cooling effect of water can improve solar panel performance, leading to increased energy production compared to traditional land-based installations.
3. Environmental Conservation: Floating solar panels help reduce water evaporation and can mitigate algae growth, thus preserving aquatic ecosystems.
4. Economic Opportunities: The development and maintenance of floating solar installations create jobs and stimulate local economies, contributing to community development.
Challenges and Mitigation Strategies:
• High Initial Costs: Implementing floating solar systems requires substantial investment, particularly for floaters and anchoring systems. However, these costs can be offset by long-term savings on fuel and operational expenses.
• Technical Challenges: Ensuring the stability and durability of floating panels in varying water conditions necessitates advanced engineering solutions and regular maintenance to address issues like biofouling.
• Environmental Impacts: Potential effects include reduced sunlight penetration affecting aquatic life and changes in oxygen levels. TNB addresses these concerns through environmental monitoring and adaptive design strategies to maintain ecological balance.
• Regulatory Compliance: Navigating complex regulatory landscapes requires early engagement with authorities to ensure adherence to environmental and safety standards.
IBenefits and Challenges of Floating Solar
✅ Benefits:
• Reduction in evaporation losses
• Ease of deployment (No leveling or laying of foundation needed)
• No land requirement
• Water available for cleaning
• Synergy with electric infrastructure, particularly when combined with existing hydropower plants
• Possible reduction in algae growth
• Increased energy yield from the cooling effect of water
⚠️ Challenges:
• Possible soiling by birds
• Electrical safety and longevity of equipment
• Mooring and anchoring complexity, depending on the reservoir type
• Possible environmental impact from light reduction
• Maintenance may require boats and divers
Addressing these issues through mitigation strategies ensures that the project can progress sustainably. As TNB Genco continues to tackle these challenges, the implementation of the HHFS project follows a structured approach to ensure its success and scalability. The project is being rolled out in several phases, each designed to build on the previous one and expand the system’s capacity and efficiency.
Project Phases and Sites:
TNB’s HHFS project is being implemented in phases:
1. Kenyir Hydro Power Station
o Found in Kuala Berang, Kuala Terengganu, and managed by the Sultan Mahmud Power Station. About 50km from Kuala Terengganu, this reservoir extends over 370km² (37,000 hectares), with a generation potential of up to 1,000MW of floating AC solar power.
2. Temengor Hydro Power Station
o Located in Gerik, Perak Darul Ridzuan, and managed by the Sg. Perak Hydro Power Stations. This station is around 200km from Ipoh, near the borders of Kelantan and southern Thailand. Covering 152km² (15,200 hectares), the Temengor reservoir can potentially generate up to 400MW of floating AC solar power.
3. Nenggiri Hydro Power Station
o Under construction in Gua Musang, Kelantan. This station is roughly 30km from Gua Musang Town. The Nenggiri reservoir spans 53.84km² (5,384 hectares), capable of generating up to 780MW of floating AC solar power.
4. Chenderoh Hydro Power Station
o Managed by the Sg. Perak Hydro Power Stations, situated in Kuala Kangsar, Perak Darul Ridzuan. Approximately 20.5km from Ipoh, the Chenderoh reservoir spans 25km² (2,500 hectares) and has the potential to generate up to 70MW of floating AC solar power.
Through these initiatives, TNB is advancing Malaysia’s renewable energy goals by harnessing innovative technologies to create a sustainable and resilient energy future.
HHFS: Driving Malaysia’s Energy Transition
The HHFS project serves as a catalyst for Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap, seamlessly integrating innovative technology with real-world applications. This strategic initiative strengthens energy reliability in a region historically dependent on fossil fuels. Through targeted risk management and active community engagement, we ensure that local voices are heard, fostering inclusive development. By delivering tangible benefits while minimizing environmental impact, HHFS paves the way for a stable, sustainable, and forward-looking energy framework for Malaysia’s future.
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