Image: Pixabay

More than 6 GW of utility-scale solar projects have been approved to date under Malaysia’s Large-Scale Solar (LSS) program, according to new data from the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA).

Since its launch in 2016, the LSS auction scheme has awarded a total of 6,028 MW of solar capacity to 117 companies across six bidding rounds.

In a statement to the government, PETRA confirmed that all projects from the first three rounds (LSS1–LSS3) are now operational. 

These include:

· 354 MW approved under LSS1 (2016)

· 465 MW under LSS2 (2017)

· 491 MW under LSS3 (2019)

Meanwhile, 93% of LSS4 projects, which awarded 823 MW of solar capacity in 2020, have already begun operations, with the remaining projects in the final stages of commissioning.

Projects from the two most recent rounds are still in earlier phases of development. The LSS5 round awarded 1,920 MW of solar capacity in 2024, while the LSS6 round approved an additional 1,975 MW just last month.

The ministry said it will continue to evaluate the need for future LSS bidding rounds to help achieve Malaysia’s 2050 renewable energy target of 70% installed capacity.

PETRA also highlighted that upcoming LSS rounds will likely incorporate emerging technologies such as battery energy storage systems (BESS) to enhance grid flexibility, accelerate the energy transition, and support the integration of growing solar capacity.