Kota Kinabalu: Sabah took another leap towards a sustainable energy future with the official launch of a 7.5MW large-scale solar tracking power plant in Balung, Tawau, Tuesday.
A collaboration between Constant Energy, Woodford Solar Energy Holding Sdn Bhd and Gaya Belian Sdn Bhd, it reflects the State’s aggressive shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
Calling it a key milestone in Sabah’s renewable energy agenda, State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said the solar plant reflects Sabah’s firm commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.
“Today marks a significant moment for Tawau,” he said at the inauguration ceremony, recently.
“The completion of this large-scale solar tracking plant is not only a major step forward in our energy transition journey but also a reflection of the Sabah Government’s commitment to a cleaner energy future for all Sabahans,” he added.
He noted that Sabah’s green energy efforts are gaining momentum. In 2024, the State Government approved 15 solar plant projects, totalling 200MW in capacity.
By 2026, Sabah aims to achieve 350MW of solar capacity projected to comprise 20 per cent 25 per cent of the State’s energy mix.
This marks Sabah’s shift away from traditional diesel and fossil fuels towards renewable alternatives.
“These green energy projects will not only diversify our energy sources, but also create high-value job opportunities and drive sustainable economic growth.
“Solar energy is not just about powering homes and businesses, it is about empowering Sabah’s green economic transformation,” he said.
The 7.5MW solar farm in Balung adopts state-of-the-art solar tracking technology, enabling solar panels to adjust in real-time with the movement of the sun, maximising energy output under various weather conditions.
“By deploying solar tracking systems, it significantly improves energy efficiency while ensuring a stable, clean electricity supply. This is not just a technological innovation, it is a strategic investment in our energy future,” he said.
Phoong acknowledged that while Sabah is making great strides in the renewable sector, challenges remain, particularly in financing, as large-scale solar projects require substantial capital.
“Securing early-stage investment remains a hurdle for many businesses. However, the Sabah Government is actively collaborating with private investors and financial institutions to facilitate funding and accelerate project implementation.
“These collaborations not only strengthen Sabah’s economy but also enhance our global competitiveness in the green energy market,” he said.
He said the transition to renewable energy offers wide-reaching benefits, from reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality, to building a healthier, more resilient environment.
“Green energy is not just about meeting today’s needs. It is about safeguarding our environment for future generations, creating a cleaner, more liveable Sabah for our children,” he said.
Phoong reaffirmed that Sabah is entering a new chapter in green energy development.
He said the government will continue to invest in renewable energy and support the sector through policy incentives, technological innovation and strategic partnerships.
“Sabah’s energy vision goes beyond local supply. We aim to become a vital link in the global green energy supply chain.
“Through innovation and collaboration, we are building a greener Sabah and contributing meaningfully to the global energy transition.
“Sabah is a land of natural beauty and the future of Sabah’s green energy industry is full of promise.
“The Sabah Government will continue to champion clean energy projects like solar and wind, driving sustainable progress for our people and contributing to a greener world,” he said.
