PETRONAS, UMT Launch CEFORE to Power Malaysia's Sustainable Energy Journey

KUALA TERENGGANU, 27 September 2025 – PETRONAS and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) have launched the Centre for Offshore Renewable Energy (CEFORE), one of the world’s first integrated models of offshore renewable energy sources with energy storage and management systems.

The proof-of-concept facility, located off the coast of Kuala Terengganu, aims to deliver renewable and reliable power by harnessing offshore wind, solar, and wave energy. It also features on-site energy storage and energy management systems to enable a continuous supply.

The innovative model marks a new milestone in powering Malaysia’s journey towards a sustainable energy future, aligning with the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and the state’s sustainability pursuits as the entities progress their low-carbon agendas.

The launch of CEFORE at Pantai Tok Jembal here today was graced by His Royal Highness Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin ibni Almarhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah and Sultanah of Terengganu, Sultanah Nur Zahirah. Also present at the event were Terengganu Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Ir Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, PETRONAS Chairman Tan Sri Mohd Bakke Salleh, UMT Chairman Prof Dr Mohamad Salmi Mohd Sohod, PETRONAS Senior Vice President of Projects, Technology & Health, Safety, Security & Environment (PT&HSSE) Ir Ts Mohd Yusri Mohamed Yusof, and UMT Vice-Chancellor Prof Ir Ts Dr Mohd Zamri Ibrahim.

Tan Sri Mohd Bakke said, “PETRONAS places great emphasis on sustainable development for the future. In line with this, we hope that CEFORE can serve as a catalyst for the development of renewable energy among future generations.

“This visionary project serves both as a proof of concept of mixed renewable energy and as a research hub. It also marks a major step toward our energy future, highlighting Malaysia’s and Terengganu’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. By leveraging Terengganu’s rich resources, we have developed one of the world’s first offshore solutions for continuous renewable energy, showcasing Malaysia’s ability to deliver forward-looking and high-impact solutions globally,” he added.

Meanwhile, Prof Ir Ts Dr Mohd Zamri said UMT is honoured to be part of this landmark initiative. "CEFORE not only drives the nation's renewable energy journey but also provides a platform for UMT to develop specialised courses in this field to nurture future talents. This collaboration positions CEFORE as a pioneering offshore renewable energy model that functions not only as a sustainable energy generation centre, but also as a platform for knowledge integration, innovation, and national capacity development," he added.

CEFORE accelerates innovation and talent development while bridging real-world needs with cutting-edge solutions. Leveraging the facility, PETRONAS, through Institut Teknologi Petroleum PETRONAS (INSTEP), and UMT are advancing renewable energy capability development and technical programmes to nurture future-ready talent for the energy transition.

Developed through collaboration between industry, academia and technology partners, CEFORE is supported by Arema Energies, Schneider Electric, Citaglobal, and Honeywell.

Beyond its technical objectives, CEFORE is designed to deliver meaningful community impact. It will open up new economic opportunities for local communities -- including the fisherfolk who can benefit from renewable energy-powered cold storage and ice-making facilities provided free of charge -- to help improve livelihoods, and also reduce dependence on conventional energy sources.

CEFORE is also envisioned as an edu-tourism and public learning hub, offering visitors the opportunity to learn about renewable energy technologies and sustainable practices. This aligns with PETRONAS’ broader commitment to social responsibility and enriching the lives of the communities where it operates.