KUCHING: Sarawak Energy has recently commissioned Malaysia’s first utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Sejingkat Power Plant here.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who visited the plant earlier, said that the BESS is the first such initiative in Malaysia, with batteries that can store up to 60 MWh of energy.
“This means that if there is a dip in energy supply, these batteries can help stabilise and increase power generation.
“Secondly, energy can be generated through batteries, similar to electric vehicles. These batteries can be stored and recharged, just like mobile phone batteries. Once used, they can be recharged, and the stored energy will be supplied to the community, including industries,” he said.
Abang Johari said this during a press conference after his working visit to the facility on Friday.
He added that the Sejingkat Power Plant, operational since 1998 as a coal-fired facility, is undergoing a transformation with the integration of biomass and battery storage technology.
“The newly established battery storage facility, consisting of 22 containers filled with high-capacity batteries, represents an investment of RM128 million by Sarawak Energy.
“The technical aspects are not my focus, but what is important is the principle—that we can generate electricity in a new, renewable way through battery storage. I believe this is an innovative first-of-its-kind technology in Malaysia,” he said.
Abang Johari also highlighted its potential to complement Sarawak’s existing renewable energy sources, such as hydropower and solar energy at Batang Ai, creating a hybrid power system.
“If successful, this mobile container system can be deployed to other locations, including rural areas, to enhance electricity supply.
“If the battery charge depletes, it can simply be recharged—just like an EV motorbike. The system is the same,” he explained.
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 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.
Also present were Sarawak Energy chairman Datuk Ibrahim Baki, Minister for Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi and Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.
