The EFS Group, a Malaysia-based solar energy firm, has partnered with Planet QEOS and four other energy companies to launch the Baram DeepTech Energy Program, a groundbreaking initiative valued at MYR 2.32 billion ($550 million). This project aims to establish Malaysia’s first renewable energy plant capable of supplying dispatchable power 24/7, comparable to traditional gas and hydropower sources. The facility will feature a 155 megawatt-peak solar plant with 310 megawatt-hours of battery storage, making it a significant step towards Malaysia’s transition to clean energy.
As part of this collaboration, EFS Group will co-develop the solar plant and implement an agrovoltaic system on over 650 hectares of land. This approach combines large-scale solar power with sustainable agriculture, allowing for both clean energy generation and crop production. The project is expected to produce over MYR 643 million ($152 million) in output, create more than 550 rural jobs, and advance the Special Economic Zone’s (SEZ) mission of energy, food, and job security.
EFS Group’s involvement in this project demonstrates its commitment to creating inclusive and climate-resilient systems that benefit local communities. According to Darren Tan, CEO of EFS Group, the company’s goal is to help local communities become self-reliant, leading to a sustained and enhanced quality of life for all. This project aligns with EFS Group’s strategic vision of leveraging innovation to deliver long-term impact for Sarawak and Malaysia’s wider transition to clean energy.
The Baram DeepTech Energy Program is a landmark collaboration that showcases the potential for solar energy to coexist with food systems. By integrating large-scale solar power with sustainable agriculture, the project sets a global example for how renewable energy can be harnessed to support both clean energy generation and community development. With its focus on innovative and inclusive solutions, EFS Group is poised to play a significant role in Malaysia’s transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.