Solar parks, or solar farms, are large-scale installations where photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight into electricity. These facilities are essential in transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy. By producing clean electricity, solar parks help reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change. In Malaysia, where sunlight is plentiful, solar parks are a key part of the national strategy to diversify energy sources and decrease reliance on coal and natural gas. However, establishing these parks requires careful consideration of local ecosystems to maintain environmental health.

In Malaysia, the expansion of solar parks serves multiple purposes: it reduces carbon emissions, enhances energy independence, strengthens energy security, and fulfils international climate commitments. The government has set a target of 31% renewable energy capacity by 2025, and solar parks are central to achieving this goal. These installations are key to the country’s renewable energy mix, helping to stabilise the national grid and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. At the same time, efforts are made to protect biodiversity in the areas surrounding these parks, ensuring that the shift to renewable energy does not harm local wildlife and habitats.

The development and management of solar parks across the country advance Malaysia's renewable energy objectives while maintaining a strong focus on environmental responsibility. For instance, the solar parks in Sepang and Bukit Selambau support the nation's clean energy goals while also addressing the ecological impacts of large-scale energy production. These efforts include measures to preserve biodiversity, finding a balance between ecological conservation and the country’s energy needs.

Protecting Bird Species at LSS Sepang Solar Park

The LSS Sepang Solar Park in Selangor is significant not only for its role in renewable energy production but also for its contribution to local biodiversity conservation. On 3 July 2023, TNB Renewables, in collaboration with Persatuan Rekreasi dan Bimbingan Alam Semulajadi Selangor (Sarang), launched a bird identification initiative during the "Hari Hargai Alam" event. This survey documented 28 bird species within the solar park, comprising 25 resident species, such as the White Throated Kingfisher and Crested Serpent Eagle, and 3 migratory species like the Pheasant Tailed Jacana.

The presence of species like the Crested Serpent Eagle, which requires a stable prey population, indicates a well-functioning ecosystem within the park. Migratory species, which depend on the park’s wetlands during their journeys, emphasize the importance of these habitats. The project titled "Documentation of Avian Species at LSS Sepang," funded by TNB Sepang Solar Sdn. Bhd. (TSS), aims to capture high-resolution photos, identify species, and observe their activities. This initiative also seeks to develop a methodology that balances species preservation with the solar plant's operations, ensuring that the park functions efficiently while safeguarding biodiversity.

Managing Human-Wildlife Conflicts at Bukit Selambau Solar Park

In Kedah, the Bukit Selambau Solar Park faces distinct challenges due to its proximity to long-tailed macaque habitats. These adaptable primates have increasingly ventured into human areas, leading to conflicts, especially as they search for food. To manage this, TNB developed a Conflict Management Plan, which includes detailed behavioural ecology studies and DNA metabarcoding.

The behavioural studies map the macaques' movement patterns, social structures, and food sources, providing TNB with essential data to modify the park’s environment and reduce conflicts. DNA metabarcoding, which analyses the macaques’ diet through their faecal samples, offers insights into their dietary habits. This information allows TNB to minimise the macaques' attraction to human areas and ensuring the solar park’s operations are not disrupted.

Solar Park as Grazing Ground

LSS Bukit Selambau also serves as an alternative grazing ground for a nearby goat herder. The use of livestock for natural vegetation control is a method increasingly being adopted at solar farms abroad. In Bukit Selambau, approximately 30 Boer goats are introduced into the solar park per session, with two sessions held daily—one in the morning and one in the afternoon. This practice is currently being trialled and monitored to evaluate its long-term feasibility.

The approach of using livestock for vegetation management at solar parks has been successfully implemented in several countries. Grazing helps control overgrown vegetation, which is crucial for preventing shading over solar panels that could reduce energy efficiency. In addition to lowering the costs associated with traditional mechanical mowing, this method also minimises the environmental impact by reducing the need for chemical herbicides.

The solar park benefits from reduced vegetation management costs and an eco-friendly method of maintaining the land, while the local herder gains access to additional grazing land for his goats. The Boer goats used at LSS Bukit Selambau are well-suited for this environment due to their hardiness and grazing efficiency. This arrangement promotes a mutually beneficial relationship between renewable energy production and local agricultural practices.

Environmental Impact and Contribution to National Goals

TNB's solar parks play a crucial role in Malaysia’s strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The photovoltaic (PV) cells used in these parks convert sunlight into electricity without producing carbon dioxide (CO2), in contrast to fossil fuel-based power plants. This clean energy production significantly reduces Malaysia’s reliance on coal and natural gas, which still dominate the national energy mix. For example, each megawatt-hour of solar electricity generated by TNB’s parks can prevent the emission of approximately 0.585 tCO₂e¹ , depending on the fossil fuel being replaced.

Over their operational lifespan, which spans 25 to 30 years, these solar parks are expected to prevent millions of tons of CO2 emissions. This directly supports Malaysia’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas intensity by 45% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels. The clean energy produced by TNB’s solar parks also enhances energy security by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and stabilising the national grid.

Alignment with National and International Environmental Goals

The initiatives at LSS Sepang and Bukit Selambau align with Malaysia’s National Policy on Biological Diversity (2016-2025), which emphasises the conservation of the country’s biological resources. By managing the interaction between solar park operations and local wildlife, TNB supports the objectives of this policy and contributes to the preservation of Malaysia’s natural heritage. These efforts also support the Greening Malaysia Programme aimed at restoring critical habitats across the country.

On a global scale, TNB’s solar parks contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7, which focuses on ensuring access to sustainable energy, and SDG 15, aimed at protecting and restoring terrestrial ecosystems. Additionally, these projects align with the principles of the Convention on Biological Diversity, which advocates for the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable use of natural resources. As we move forward, TNB will continue to advance Malaysia’s renewable energy goals while protecting ecosystems that are vital to the country’s environmental and cultural heritage.

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