Floating photovoltaics energy capacity estimation in the hydro-power dams and river basins of Sarawak

Abstract Floating photovoltaic (FPV) system installation has recorded significant growth world-wide, increasing from 1 GWp in 2018 to 13 GWp in 2022. Hydro-power reservoirs have played a key role in this expansion since FPV integration allows for shared grid transmission, reduces land use, and helps meet growing energy demands. Located on Borneo Island, Sarawak is home to three existing hydro-power dams, eleven commissioned dams and forty river basins, which hold tremendous potential for FPV installations. Nevertheless, study investigating this potential has not been reported. Therefore, this study is conducted with the aim to investigate the energy production potential of FPV systems in Sarawak, Malaysia, using a quantitative technique derived from the literature. The results indicate that installing FPV systems on 10% of the total surface area of these water bodies could generate an estimated 5.52 exajoules of energy annually, which is sufficient to meet Malaysia’s primary energy consumption. Moreover, increasing FPV coverage to 50% of Sarawak’s water bodies could produce enough energy to cover 70% of the ASEAN countries’ primary energy consumption. In theory, covering 100% of Sarawak’s dams and river basins with FPV systems could meet the entire annual primary energy demand of all ASEAN countries. This could play a critical role in achieving the ASEAN countries’ target of 35% renewable energy share in the energy sector by 2025. In addition, the water evaporation saved by the FPV installation, and the offshore FPV energy generation potential along the Sarawak coastline are also estimated. The study highlights the substantial potential of FPV energy generation in Sarawak’s hydro-power dams and river basins, offering a sustainable and clean energy solution for the region.