Bangkok, Thailand, May 8, 2025 Constant Energy, in collaboration with Gaya Belian, has officially marked the commencement of commercial operations for a 7.5-megawatt solar power plant in Balung, Tawau, under Woodford Solar 1 (Sabah) Sdn Bhd. A ceremony was held to commemorate the official commissioning of the first ground-mounted solar power plant in Tawau, to utilize large-scale solar tracking technology, enabling it to follow the sun throughout the day and significantly boost energy yield and efficiency.
Carried out under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) and Woodford Solar, a joint venture between Constant Energy and Gaya Belian, the solar plant is connected to SESB’s distribution network, delivering electricity to consumers and contributing to Sabah’s goal of achieving 350 megawatts of solar energy by 2026.
The event was officiated by Sabah’s Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, YB Phoong Jin Zhe, who emphasized the importance of the plant in the state’s renewable energy journey.
“This is a significant moment for Tawau and for Sabah as a whole. This solar tracking plant signals our shift away from diesel and fossil fuels towards renewable sources that will benefit all Sabahans,” said Minister Phoong. “Solar energy is more than just powering homes and industries — it is powering Sabah’s economic transformation.”
Beyond its technical achievements, the 7.5 MWp plant embodies Constant Energy’s commitment to advancing renewable energy expertise in Sabah. As a subsidiary of Virya Energy, a global leader in sustainable energy, Constant Energy leverages world-class knowledge and international best practices to deliver impactful and fit for purpose local solutions. This project exemplifies how global experience, and local execution can come together to drive impactful progress in clean energy development.
Franck Constant, CEO and founder of Constant Energy, shared the journey behind the project:
“Our Woodford Solar team have kept the vision alive, in the face of adversity to make it happen,” he said. “This state-of-the-art plant is the culmination of more than 156,000 man hours that we celebrate today.”
He continued:
“This is a landmark for Constant Energy—not only as our first large-scale solar plant in Malaysia, but also as a showcase of our innovative solution. Equipped with state-of-the-art solar tracking technology, it reflects what defines us: we don’t just keep up with progress— we stay the course and bring the latest, most reliable technology to Sabah.”
The 7.5 MWp solar plant also brings broad socio-economic benefits to the region. It creates local jobs, promotes skills development, electrifies rural areas, boosts energy security, reduces dependence on diesel and gas, and repurposes former palm oil land sustainably.
Marinah Harris, CEO of Gaya Belian, spoke at the ceremony, noting:
“This project is a true collaboration between the Sabah Government’s electricity utility, the Federal Government’s SME lender, the technical expertise of Constant Energy, and our own local Sabahan company, Gaya Belian. Together, we are committed to the global fight against climate change, ensuring Sabah’s role in achieving Net Zero.”
Constant Energy additionally stated that converting just 0.5% of Sabah’s plantation land into solar farms with battery storage could sustainably meet 100% of the state’s electricity demand.
The launch event not only marked the commissioning of the plant but also celebrated the local culture, with Sabahan traditional music and cultural performances setting the stage for the ceremony, reflecting both technological progress and deep local roots.
Franck Constant concluded his remarks with a hopeful call:
“Let’s join together to make the beautiful melody of low-cost, low-impact solar power resonate louder and louder throughout Sabah and Malaysia.”
Looking ahead, Constant Energy and its parent, Virya Energy remains committed to advancing sustainable energy solutions across Asia, with active projects in Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia.
[ABOUT CONSTANT ENERGY]
Constant Energy is a solar project developer and renewable electricity generation and storage investment platform which invests and manages high-quality power assets in selected countries. Since 1995, Constant Energy management has specialized in the development, non-recourse financing, design, construction, and asset management of private power projects. In 2009, the management co-founded Sonnedix in France, which has become one of the largest solar IPP operating in nine countries. In 2017, the company was successfully sold with 350 MW of operating assets to a fund advised by JP Morgan Asset Management. On ESG performance, Constant Energy is rated with 5 stars by the GRESB Sector Leader Awards Program and rated Gold by Ecovadis.
More information can be found at https://constantenergy.net/
[ABOUT GAYA BELIAN]
Gaya Belian Sdn Bhd is a Malaysian company based in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Established in 2012, it operates as a private limited entity under the registration number 1023300-U. The company specializes in real estate, housing development and construction including IBS building systems for the affordable housing project. Gaya Belian has been promoting ESG and impact investment project development including green energy. Gaya Belian has also master planned a 5,000 acres land as an environmentally sustainable residential, commercial and industrial park. Gaya Belian has been involved in several environmental projects promoting the NOW (No More Plastics in our Water) platform in cooperation with local government, municipalities local and international NGOs. Gaya Belian partnership with Race for Water international expedition out reached more than 8,000 government officials, academics and students as part of a global campaign.
Media Contact:
Sarah Okafor
Corporate Marketing & Communications Manager
Phone: (+66) 95 667 6057
Email: sarah@constantenergy.net
Website: www.constantenergy.net
