A major clean energy push
Malaysia’s Sarawak state has secured one of its largest private renewable energy investments to date, with Founder Group Limited and Planet QEOS Sdn. Bhd. committing MYR1.16 billion (US$2.76 billion) to develop a hybrid solar and energy storage complex in Baram. The project combines a 310-megawatt-peak (MWp) ground-mounted solar farm with 620 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery storage, designed to deliver continuous, dispatchable electricity.
It will be Malaysia’s first project aimed at providing “stable output” solar—power reliable enough to function like conventional baseload generation from gas or hydro. The initiative forms a central part of the state-backed Baram DeepTech Energy Programme, which seeks to transform Sarawak’s interior through advanced energy infrastructure.
Powering digital infrastructure
The development will also host a 200 MW Tier-4 data centre park, co-located with the solar and storage facilities. By directly powering energy-intensive digital operations with locally generated renewable electricity, the consortium aims to reduce dependence on fossil-fuel-heavy grids. Authorities anticipate over MYR1 billion in foreign direct investment linked to the data centre campus, positioning clean power as a driver for Sarawak’s digital economy and industrial diversification.
Aligning with policy and regional targets
The project supports Sarawak’s ambition to expand installed generation capacity to 10 gigawatts by 2030. Plans for a Special Energy Zone in Baram are intended to attract green industrial activity while promoting rural economic growth.
“The integration of dispatchable solar with storage strengthens Sarawak’s credibility as a regional player in clean energy and the digital economy,” said a government official. Final permitting and a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) are pending, but the project is seen as a model for future large-scale renewable energy initiatives.
Financing and execution
NASDAQ-listed Founder Group, active in energy and IT sectors, will lead the consortium alongside Planet QEOS, structuring financing and phasing construction once regulatory approvals are secured. Analysts note that Sarawak’s ability to guarantee reliable clean power at scale could determine its success in attracting the next wave of digital foreign investment, amid regional competition from Singapore and Indonesia.
Implications for businesses and investors
For corporate leaders, the Baram project underscores a broader trend: renewable energy infrastructure is increasingly viewed as the foundation for industrial and digital clusters. Investors will recognize that pairing renewable generation with storage is now critical to secure long-term, high-demand digital projects. 
The project also illustrates a close alignment of public policy with private capital: linking renewable deployment to a Special Energy Zone and digital infrastructure connects climate targets directly to industrial strategy, appealing to sovereign investors and multinational tech firms seeking resilient, low-carbon supply chains.
Regional significance
Beyond Malaysia, the hybrid complex offers lessons for Southeast Asia, where rising electricity demand and competition for data centres and advanced industries are intensifying. A successful implementation could serve as a regional blueprint—combining large-scale renewables with storage to provide reliable, bankable electricity for energy-intensive digital operations. For global companies focused on ESG compliance and decarbonization, such projects may become essential investment considerations in emerging markets.
