KUCHING: Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) has successfully launched Malaysia's first utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), located at the Sejingkat Power Station in Kuching.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, announced that the 60 Megawatt (MW) BESS, which became operational in December 2024, plays a key role in enhancing the efficiency of Sarawak’s energy grid system.

“This is the first of its kind in Malaysia, and if it proves successful, we may consider deploying BESS in other locations, as it is highly portable.

"My colleagues and I see this system as a way to ensure more stable energy supply in rural areas,” he said during a press conference after visiting the BESS at Sejingkat Power Corporation (SPC) on Friday.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari added that the system allows for the integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, in line with Sarawak’s goal of achieving high-income economy status by 2030 under the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

“Sarawak Energy Berhad has invested RM128 million for 22 containers housing numerous batteries.

“What’s important here is the principle of leveraging new energy solutions through battery storage, marking the introduction of this cutting-edge technology to Malaysia,” he stated.

The Sarawak Premier explained that the BESS serves as an emergency energy reserve, while also regulating voltage and grid frequency.

The Sejingkat Power Station, with a capacity of 150MW, is Borneo’s first coal-fired power plant and the second in Malaysia. The facility is currently undergoing a gradual transition towards cleaner energy sources, demonstrating SEB’s commitment to environmental sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.

Also in attendance were Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, SEB Chairman, Dato Ibrahim Baki, SEB Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Sharbini Suhaili and heads of various departments. -UKASnews