Malaysia's data center energy needs to be supported by RM2.32 billion solar-agrovoltaic project

EFS Group has entered a strategic collaboration with Planet QEOS Sdn. Bhd. under the RM2.32 billion Baram Deeptech Energy Program. This partnership aims to bolster the role of renewable energy in supporting Malaysia's data center aspirations.

The collaboration designates EFS Group as the Agrovoltaic and Food Security Partner. They will develop a firm solar power plant with a capacity of 310 megawatt-peak (MWp), integrated with a 900 megawatt-hour (MWh) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). This pioneering project in Malaysia also encompasses the development of a 650-hectare agrovoltaic farm, merging solar energy infrastructure with highland agriculture in northern Sarawak.

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We believe that Malaysia's next phase of industrial growth will increasingly depend on integrated energy solutions, rather than separate energy generation.

Darren Tan, Group CEO of EFS Group, highlighted the project's unique ability to generate benefits beyond clean energy production. By integrating renewable energy, food production, and community development within a comprehensive ecosystem, the initiative addresses multiple national priorities. Tan believes Malaysia's next industrial growth phase will increasingly rely on such integrated energy solutions rather than isolated generation.

This solar-plus-BESS solution is seen as a fundamental component for data centers, manufacturing sectors, and industrial parks, enhancing long-term operational resilience. EFS Group's proactive development of renewable energy infrastructure is a strategic preparation for Malaysia's Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) projection. PETRA anticipates Malaysia's data center sector will consume up to 7.7 gigawatts of electricity by 2030. Currently, domestic data centers use 1,102 MW, which is 54% of the government-approved capacity of 2,050 MW.

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Solar-plus-BESS solutions will be a fundamental component in the planning of data centers, manufacturing sectors, and industrial parks to strengthen long-term operational resilience.