In a landmark move for sustainable urban development, Malaysia has inaugurated its inaugural residential rooftop solar program, a collaborative effort spearheaded by Sime Darby Property. This pioneering initiative, introduced under the National Energy Transition Roadmap, establishes a new framework for community-based renewable energy generation. The official launch ceremony was conducted by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof at the Elmina Sales Gallery, signaling strong governmental endorsement for this innovative approach to clean energy.
The program introduces a novel rooftop leasing arrangement that enables homeowners to participate without financial commitment. Through this mechanism, residential properties within the City of Elmina township are transformed into distributed power generation sites. Sime Darby Property, serving as the Local Energy Generator Aggregator, will oversee installation and management operations in partnership with GSPARX, a Tenaga Nasional Berhad subsidiary providing technical expertise. The generated solar energy will be transmitted via TNB’s grid infrastructure to the adjacent Innovation Park, situated within five kilometers of the participating residences.
Expansion prospects for this model appear promising, with various commercial entities including fuel stations and educational institutions expressing interest in becoming energy off-takers. Datuk Seri Azmir Merican, Group Managing Director and CEO of Sime Darby Property, emphasized the project’s alignment with national sustainability objectives while creating value for property owners. He specifically acknowledged the crucial support from government bodies and strategic partners that enabled this community-focused endeavor. The initiative represents a significant advancement in public-private cooperation aimed at accelerating Malaysia’s renewable energy adoption.
TNB’s Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Megat Jalaluddin Megat Hassan, confirmed the utility’s commitment through both solar installations and Malaysia’s premier Community Energy Storage System at Elmina. This comprehensive approach not only provides cleaner electricity but also enhances grid stability and resilience. Looking forward, Sime Darby Property intends to replicate this model across additional townships, reinforcing its position as a pivotal private sector contributor to Malaysia’s ambitious target of 70% renewable energy capacity by 2050.