DUBAI: To drive renewable energy development in Pahang, UEM Lestra Berhad (UEM Lestra), the green industries arm and wholly-owned subsidiary of UEM Group Berhad (UEM Group), and Enggang Holdings Sdn Bhd (Enggang Holdings) have signed an agreement to collaborate on the development of a solar plant in Gebeng, Pahang.

The proposed solar plant, which will be situated near the Gebeng Industrial Park, spans a 450-acre area and is projected to have a potential capacity of up to 170 megawatt peak (MWp). Its strategic location near the industrial park positions it as a potential key contributor of clean energy to the industrial area and to Pahang's renewable energy agenda.

The signing took place at the Malaysia Pavilion, Expo City, Dubai on the sidelines of the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), witnessed by the Regent of Pahang, Tengku Mahkota Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah ibni Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir, Managing Director of Khazanah Nasional Berhad, Datuk Amran Hafiz Affifudin, Chairman of UEM Group and Dato’ Sri Muthanna Abdullah, Chairman of Enggang Holdings.

Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani, Managing Director of UEM Group, signed the agreement on behalf of UEM Lestra while Enggang Holdings was represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Tengku Dato’ Aiman Putra Tengku Dato’ Sri Kamal Bharin.

During his opening keynote address at the Malaysia Pavilion, His Royal Highness the Regent of Pahang who in the past stated his support for net zero goals, expressed his commitment to accelerate Pahang’s renewable energy transition, particularly in solar energy generation.

He also said that to further expand the implementation of clean and renewable energy in Pahang, Pahang is reviewing its policies for renewable energy. He added that a clear and transparent state-wide policy as well as regulatory framework is needed that is able to facilitate the installation of solar farms in a sustainable manner.

Dato' Mohd Izani said, "We firmly believe that clean energy generation such as solar will play a pivotal role in driving the energy transition agenda of the country and the state of Pahang and that there can be a balance between economic development and supporting the net zero goals. By joining forces with Enggang Holdings to develop this solar plant, we are not only making significant strides towards Pahang's renewable energy goals, but also reinforcing our unwavering commitment to sustainability and green initiatives.”