KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 29): UEM Group Berhad subsidiary Cenergi SEA Berhad has inked a 21-year renewable energy Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) with Nasdaq and Hong Kong Exchange-listed data centre developer and operator GDS.

In a recent statement, Cenergi said the agreement positions GDS among the first cohort of green power offtakers in Malaysia under the Corporate Green Power Programme (CGPP) which is administered by Malaysia’s Energy Commission.

The CGPP allows for a total of 800MWac of solar power to be developed by solar producers and secured by corporate offtakers in Peninsular Malaysia.

GDS has successfully subscribed to 22.5MWac of renewable power for its Nusajaya Tech Park Data Centre Campus in Johor.

The partnership with Cenergi empowers GDS to claim Renewable Energy Credits, facilitating reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and advancing its target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.

Cenergi group chief executive officer Hairol Azizi Tajudin said this collaboration underlines the firm’s dedication to sustainability and fits perfectly with the goal of promoting renewable energy projects.

“By supplying GDS with green electricity from our upcoming solar farm, we're not just helping them reach their net-zero emissions target but also contributing to Malaysia's larger plan for a greener energy mix,” he said.

Meanwhile, William Huang, chairman and CEO of GDS, said collaborating with Cenergi as pioneers in Malaysia's renewable energy VPPA exemplifies its commitment to fostering sustainability within the industry.

“As a first mover in Johor with our Nusajaya Tech Park Data Centre Campus and various ongoing projects, this endeavor signifies a stride forward in our journey towards achieving net zero emissions and contributing to greening the electricity grid,” he said.