U Mobile partners HLGY Energy to develop smart solar farms powered by private 5G and AI

U Mobile has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Malaysian renewable energy developer HLGY Energy to explore the deployment of private 5G connectivity for smart solar farms in Malaysia.

The collaboration aims to combine U Mobile’s ULTRA5G network with artificial intelligence (AI) and industrial automation to improve the monitoring, management and maintenance of large-scale solar energy facilities.

HLGY Energy is involved in developing and operating utility-scale solar and integrated energy solutions under Malaysia’s Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (CRESS), including the Kedah Rubber City Solar Power Plant.

Private 5G to support autonomous drones, AI analytics and smart surveillance

Under the MoU, U Mobile and HLGY Energy will explore deploying a dedicated private 5G network to serve as the communications backbone for smart solar farm operations.

U Mobile will take on the role of innovation, automation and communications infrastructure provider, enabling several applications including autonomous drone inspections, AI-powered analytics and smart CCTV surveillance.

These technologies are intended to support remote monitoring of solar farm infrastructure, allowing operators to detect potential issues earlier and respond more quickly to maintenance requirements.

According to HLGY Energy, they are also exploring integrating AI with solar generation and BESS to help optimise when energy is stored and supplied, which would help reduce electricity costs while extending equipment lifespan.

U Mobile demonstrating how digital infrastructure supports renewable energy aspirations

U Mobile Chief Business Officer How Lih Ren said “This collaboration will demonstrate how U Mobile’s ULTRA5G network can enable the next generation of smart and sustainable infrastructure. By combining private 5G connectivity with AI and industrial automation, we

aim to help HLGY Energy develop renewable energy assets that are safer, more efficient and increasingly autonomous.”

He added, “Beyond connectivity, our ambition is to be a trusted digital solutions partner to enterprises across Malaysia. We look forward to applying our network and technology capabilities to support the country’s renewable energy aspirations, including the Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (CRESS).”

Meanwhile, HLGY Energy Chairman and Executive Director, Kenneth Yap said, “Malaysia’s green energy transition needs renewable energy infrastructure that is reliable, efficient and built for the future. Our collaboration with U Mobile brings together solar energy expertise and private 5G connectivity to explore how AI and automation can improve the way we operate and manage our solar assets.”

“Integrating AI with solar generation and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) operations can optimise when energy is stored and supplied, help reduce electricity costs and extend equipment life. As we advance our ambitions under CRESS, we aim to make clean energy a dependable choice for businesses, helping Malaysian industries decarbonise and contributing to the nation’s sustainable growth,” he added.