TNB and Petronas Pioneer Malaysia’s Solar-Hydro Hydrogen Hub in Terengganu

Malaysia’s energy landscape is taking a bold leap forward with a hybrid solar-hydro hydrogen hub in Terengganu. This project isn’t just another renewable energy initiative—it’s a game-changer for Southeast Asia’s green hydrogen ambitions.

Why Terengganu? The Hydro-Solar Sweet Spot

Terengganu’s lush rivers and abundant sunlight make it perfect for a hybrid setup. The project combines hydroelectric power from existing dams with floating solar panels, similar to the UK’s first back contact solar farm.

Hydro provides steady baseload power, while solar peaks during daylight. Together, they create a 24/7 clean energy stream for hydrogen production.

The Hydrogen Angle: More Than Just Buzz

Green hydrogen—made by splitting water using renewable electricity—is often called ‘the fuel of the future.’ TNB’s hub will use Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzers, similar to those Siemens Energy deployed in Germany.

Critics argue hydrogen is inefficient… until you need zero-emission fuel for industries like shipping or steelmaking.

Floating Solar: The Unexpected Star

While hydro handles night shifts, floating PV modules (yes, solar panels on water!) maximize daytime output. They’re cooler than rooftop arrays, boosting efficiency by 5-10%.

This uses similar tech to Singapore’s Tengeh Reservoir project but pairs it with hydro for round-the-clock operation.

Grid Synergies: Beyond Instagrammable Solar Farms

Here’s the clever part: excess solar powers electrolyzers while feeding surplus to the grid. During monsoon season—when hydro runs full tilt—the system switches priorities.

It’s like a Tesla Powerwall for industrial-scale energy, minus the lithium dependency.

What This Means for Solar Pros

Projects like this validate floating solar’s role beyond vanity metrics. Suppliers of bifacial panels (think JA Solar) should watch this space.

Maintenance crews, meanwhile, will need aquatic safety training—a niche but growing skillset.

The Bottom Line

Solar-hydro hybrids could solve renewable energy’s Achilles’ heel: intermittency. As battery costs stay volatile, hydrogen storage offers an alternative.

For Malaysia, this hub positions it as a green hydrogen exporter—potentially outpacing Australia’s Sundown Project.