LAHAD DATU: The Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) infrastructure with a capacity of 100 Megawatt (MW) and energy storage of 400MWh which will be completed in June this year is expected to increase the state power grid’s generation.
Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS), Datuk Ir. Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid said, the project, which is the largest in Southeast Asia, will store a total of 188 units of batteries.
“The importance of this project to Sabah’s grid is to increase capacity which is currently still below 30 per cent. So, with the completion of this project and other projects such as in Kimanis which is the Gas Rental that is expected to complete in June this year, then we can increase the reserve margin or generation reserve margin to at least 25 per cent,” he said.
Abdul Nasser said this when met after visiting the BESS project site at Dam Road, here, Monday.
During his visit, Abdul Nasser said he was satisfied with the progress of the project and expressed his confidence in the ability of Elopura Power and Sabah Electricity to complete it on time.
He said BESS is one of the fastest ways to get capacity other than renting.
It is also more environmentally friendly as it will use energy from solar to reduce the use of diesel. Speaking about safety, Abdul Nasser said it has to meet a stringent standard.
“In fact this month there will be a factory test. So, it is important. There are indeed rules that follow the Sabah Grid Code. “Also, the use of this battery is not something new as it has been used in other places. As I mentioned earlier in Sarawak, and also in Singapore for several years. So, this system is a proven technology,” he explained.
