In order to facilitate the development of a 1GW photovoltaic (PV) solar hybrid project in Segamat, Johor, UEM Lestra Berhad (UEM Lestra) and Permodalan Darul Ta’zim (PDT), a firm wholly owned by the Johor State Government, have signed a Cooperation Agreement.
In addition to strengthening Johor’s standing as the nation’s top state in the renewable energy industry, this partnership demonstrates the parties’ shared dedication to sustainability, environmental preservation, and economic empowerment.
Dato’ Ir. Hasni Mohamad, Chairman of the Johor Sustainability Centre, said, “The collaboration between PDT and UEM Lestra demonstrates Johor’s proactive stance in supporting the use of green energy, alongside sustainable development. The solar hybrid project in Segamat will not only reduce carbon emissions but also create meaningful opportunities for the people of Johor.”
According to him, who is also the Economic and Investment Advisor of the State of Johor, “This collaboration will also help strengthen the state’s green economy sector, positioning Johor as a regional leader in renewable energy.” He added that every initiative undertaken should be able to provide a more tangible impact on the people as well as the environment.
Dato’ Ir. Hasni Mohamad, representing the Chief Minister of Johor, Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi, today witnessed the Document Exchange Ceremony for the Cooperation Agreement between PDT and UEM Lestra and officiated the event Accelerating Malaysia’s Green Transition From Vision To Action – Southern Region Edition in Iskandar Puteri. Also present were the Chief Executive of the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), Dato’ Mohd Noorazam Osman; Chief Executive of the PDT Group, Dato’ Ramlee A Rahman; Chief Executive Officer of UEM Lestra, Harman Faiz Habib Muhamad; and Secretary of the Johor State Economic Planning Division (BPENJ), Dr Haji Amirul Haffiz Ariff.
Meanwhile, Harman Faiz stated, “The hybrid solar project in Segamat symbolises the company’s commitment to continuing to focus on more inclusive economic growth while emphasizing environmental sustainability. He added, “We hope this collaboration will not only help the state of Johor continue to lead the renewable energy sector but also bring more meaningful benefits to the local residents.”
Through this agreement, the PDT will act as the main coordinating partner to facilitate dealings with the relevant authorities at the state level. In addition, the PDT will also assist UEM Lestra in attracting corporate companies interested in obtaining green energy. UEM Lestra, a wholly-owned subsidiary of UEM Group Berhad, will lead the development and implementation of this project through its joint venture company, Lestra HEXA.
This project is expected to be completed and start operations in the first quarter of 2028. It will also adopt a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which is expected to generate more than 1,000,000 MWh of green energy and reduce up to 800,000 tons of carbon emissions annually.
As one of the key projects announced under the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), this project is expected to make a significant contribution to the country’s decarbonization goals. It is also in line with the Johor 2030 New Renewable Energy Policy, which was launched in February this year. This policy emphasizes solar energy as a primary source of clean energy, in line with the State Government’s aspiration to achieve a more sustainable and low-carbon future.
Furthermore, this 1GW hybrid solar project is also expected to create up to 10,000 new job opportunities throughout the construction and operational phases. The project will provide opportunities for local contractors to enhance their skills in green energy technology.
The organisation of the event in Johor also marks the conclusion of UEM Lestra’s national tour series. The tour series began in the Northern Region around July, followed by the Central Region in September. This program was held with the aim of promoting UEM Lestra’s initiative in introducing the country’s first bidding platform through the Bilateral Energy Supply Contract (BESC) under the Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (CRESS) in collaboration with the Carbon Exchange, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bursa Malaysia Berhad.
CRESS is the government’s latest initiative aimed at providing access for corporate companies in Peninsular Malaysia to purchase green energy through the “Third Party Access” (TPA) concept, via the national grid network.
