NEWS & UPDATE

KUCHING
14 FEBRUARY 2025

With the growing demand for reliable electricity supply, Sarawak Energy has recently commissioned the first utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Malaysia.

Located at the Sejingkat Power Plant in Kuching and energised in December 2024, the 60MW/82MWh BESS provides essential grid services, including primary spinning reserve (emergency reserve), voltage and frequency regulation and peak demand management, supporting the overall optimisation of power generation and grid systems.

This investment also enables the trial of the BESS’s ability to integrate intermittent renewable energy sources, such as solar. This aligns with Sarawak’s ambition to achieve high-income status by 2030 under the Sarawak Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which identifies renewable energy as a key enabler of the state’s sustainable economic progress.

During a working visit to the facility on 14 February, The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Premier of Sarawak, emphasised the importance of such initiatives in driving Sarawak’s progress.

As part of the working visit, the Sarawak Energy team provided a project briefing on BESS.

“With projects like the BESS, we are laying a stronger foundation for Sarawak’s future energy needs. As we transition to a greener, more sustainable economy, it is crucial that all Sarawakians, whether in urban or rural areas, have access to reliable power to support their daily lives and economic activities," he said.

The BESS is located at the 150MW Sejingkat Power Plant, Borneo’s first and Malaysia’s second coal-fired power plant, which was commissioned in 1998 and is being gradually phased out. This transition reflects Sarawak Energy’s commitment to environmental responsibility and reducing carbon emissions.

The commissioning of the BESS at Sejingkat is one of the key steps in ensuring supply reliability. To meet the rising demand of energy supply, Sarawak Energy will continue to pioneer advancements in energy storage, drive innovation and enhance sustainability and resilience of the power infrastructure. As Sarawak’s primary utility, the company will continue to support Sarawak’s economic growth, ensuring that its energy strategies not only meet the demands of tomorrow but also uphold the principles of environmental sustainability.

Sarawak Energy Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Haji Sharbini Suhaili said: “As energy demand continues its upward trajectory, initiatives such as the BESS not only can safeguard the reliability of our electricity supply but also enhance our ability to power industries, businesses and communities across Sarawak. More importantly, our mission to light up Sarawak, fostering economic resilience and ensuring equitable access to energy, regardless of geographical location.”

Other officials attending the working visit included The Honourable Dato Haji Ibrahim Haji Baki, Chairman for Sarawak Energy; The Honourable Dato Sri Haji Julaihi Haji Narawi, Minister for Utility and Telecommunication (MUT); The Honourable Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Sarawak State Secretary; The Honourable Datuk Dr. Haji Abdul Rahman Haji Junaidi, Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication II (Utility); The Honourable Datuk Dr. Hazland Abang Hipni, Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability (MEESty); Dato Sri Dr. Muhammad Abdullah Haji Zaidel, Deputy State Secretary Sarawak for Economic Planning & Development; and other senior government officials from Economic Planning Unit under the Premier’s Department; MUT; MEESty; Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development; and Land and Survey Department Sarawak.

The Premier of Sarawak and his delegation toured Sarawak Energy’s newly commissioned 60MW/82MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Sejingkat Power Plant.

Located at the Sejingkat Power Plant in Kuching and energised in December 2024, the 60MW/82MWh BESS provides essential grid services, including primary spinning reserve (emergency reserve), voltage and frequency regulation and peak demand management, supporting the overall optimisation of power generation and grid systems.