This project, developed by MSR Green Energy, will boast a capacity of 100MW/400MWh, positioning it as one of the largest BESS installations in the ASEAN region.
Are battery energy storage systems becoming a reality in Malaysia?
The utilities sector in Malaysia is witnessing significant advancements in battery energy storage systems (BESS), evolving from concept to reality with notable projects underway. The first large-scale BESS project is currently being constructed in Sabah, a pivotal development for the country's energy landscape.
What is Peninsular Malaysia's first utility-scale battery storage project?
The project marks Peninsular Malaysia's first utility-scale battery storage project. Back in February, Tenaga had talked about a battery pilot project that it said would be “operated by Grid System Operator (GSO), and overseen by the Energy Commission”.
In a recent interview, outgoing TNB president and CEO Datuk Seri Baharin Din highlighted the substantial storage requirements, estimating that around 500MW of storage capacity would be needed for every 1GW of solar capacity. This underscores the scale of investment required to fully integrate renewable energy into Malaysia's energy mix.
The country's proactive alignment of strategies with BESS development showcases its commitment to green energy. The Malaysia Renewable Energy Roadmap (MyRER) outlines target and investment in BESS projects as part of its energy transition.
Nonetheless, only a few local players have considerable experience in battery storage projects. Tenaga, which operates the national grid, has piloted a battery storage in collaboration with Sime Darby Property Bhd (KL: SIMEPROP) that can store 0.4mw.
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are revolutionising the green energy industry with their potential to harness and utilise renewable energy sources more efficiently. BESS offers not only environmental benefits but also lucrative investment opportunities.