SINGAPORE: Blueleaf Energy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the potential development of up to 3 gigawatt (GW) of onshore utility-scale renewable energy projects in Sarawak, Malaysia in a closed-door ceremony held during the Macquarie ASEAN Conference in Singapore on Monday.

According to a statement, the partnership aims to accelerate Malaysia's clean energy transition by leveraging Blueleaf Energy's global expertise in renewable energy development and financing, and Chemsain’s deep local knowledge of the regulatory landscape and sustainability frameworks.

“The collaboration is a strategic move to support the ambitious goals outlined in Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and Sarawak’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030,” it said on Monday.

Blueleaf Energy is a leading pan-Asian renewable energy platform owned by a fund managed by Macquarie Asset Management, and Chemsain Sustainability Sdn Bhd (Chemsain) is an established Malaysian sustainability advisory firm.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Blueleaf Energy, Raghuram Natarajan said that this MoU marked a significant milestone for Blueleaf Energy's expansion in Southeast Asia and commitment to supporting Malaysia's NETR.

“The ambition to develop up to 3 GW of renewable energy in Sarawak is a powerful testament to the region's immense potential.

“By combining our global expertise in financing and large-scale project development with Chemsain's deep-rooted local knowledge, we are confident in our ability to deliver energy solutions that create long-term value and bolster Malaysia's energy transition,” he said.

Meanwhile, Executive Chairman of Chemsain Sustainability, Dr. John Chan said this collaboration reflects Chemsain’s strong commitment to accelerating sustainable development in Sarawak.

“By leveraging our deep expertise in local regulatory frameworks, environmental planning, and stakeholder engagement, we look forward to working alongside likeminded partners such as Blueleaf Energy to ensure all projects are fully aligned with both federal and state-level goals.

“Our focus is to help de-risk development and enable large-scale clean energy investments that deliver lasting value,” he stressed.

According to Chief Operating Officer of Blueleaf Energy, Amiram Roth-Deblon, partnering with a trusted local advisor like Chemsain exemplifies the commitment to ‘go local’ to deliver the best solutions.

“In a market as dynamic as Sarawak we understand the value of forging such partnerships to not only de-risk our development pipeline but also ensure our projects are seamlessly integrated with the local community, delivering a holistic and positive impact that goes beyond just power generation,” he said.

The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation across several key areas, including site and grid access, permitting, technical development, and community engagement.

The partners will also explore opportunities for associated local industrial ecosystem development, which underscores a shared commitment to fostering long-term economic growth and creating jobs in the region.

The collaboration will be focused on onshore utility-scale projects, utilising proven technologies such as solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage systems (BESS).

The two companies are committed to exploring project opportunities over a two-year period, with the goal of helping Sarawak establish itself as a leader in clean energy production and sustainable development.

The MoU Signing Ceremony was held at the Fullerton Hotel, Singapore on 18 August 2025, witnessed by Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Singapore, Dato' Indera Dr. Azfar Mohamad Mustafar, Australian High Commissioner to Singapore, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Australia, Allaster Cox, Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STATOS) CEO, Chew Chang Guan, and Managing Director at Macquarie, Edward Lewis.

The agreement was signed on behalf of Chemsain Sustainability by Dr. John Chan and Executive Director, Timothy Chan, and on behalf of Blueleaf Energy, by Raghuram Natarajan and Amiram Roth-Deblon.

Also present at the ceremony were senior representatives from MITI, the High Commission of Malaysia to Singapore, the High Commission of Australia to Singapore, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), STATOS, Export Finance Australia (EFA), Austrade, Invest Sarawak, Bursa Malaysia Berhad and Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB). -UKASnews