Minister Confirms Ongoing Talks on Highway Solar Panel Removal

Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim has announced that discussions are currently underway with the contractor and the World Bank regarding the removal of solar panels installed along the highway.

The 5.5 MW solar power system was part of the Accelerating Sustainable Private Investment in Renewable Energy (ASPIRE) initiative, a project led by the Ministry with support from the World Bank. The system was installed by Thailand’s Ansis Co. and became operational late last year.

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Concerns about the safety of highway users and the visual impact on the bridge area have prompted President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to order the relocation of the solar panels. The panels will be removed from the bridge and installed in a different residential area.

Minister Ibrahim explained that the relocation process is taking longer than anticipated due to the project’s private contractor and World Bank funding, rather than direct government involvement. Ongoing discussions between the contractor and the World Bank are expected to address these delays.

The total project cost is USD 11 million, with the Ministry of Environment and Energy stating last October that relocating the system would incur an additional cost of USD 11 million.