KOTA Kinabalu, Sabah: Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, represented the Sarawak Government at the official launch of the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project with a capacity of 100 megawatts (MW) and an energy storage capability of 400 megawatt-hours (MWh).
The event, held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Friday, was officiated by Sabah Governor, Tun Musa Aman, marking a major milestone in Sabah’s energy transformation agenda.
The BESS project in Lahad Datu has been recognised as the largest energy storage facility in Southeast Asia.
Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) Chairman, Saadiah Aziz, said the construction of the facility was completed within nine months, reflecting Sabah’s strong commitment to enhancing the stability of the state’s electricity system.
She added that the project is expected to reduce the risk of power supply disruptions along Sabah’s east coast, and improve the quality of life for more than 700,000 electricity consumers statewide.
Meanwhile, Sabah’s Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Works and Utilities, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, said the project’s implementation is in line with the Sabah Energy Master Plan and the Sabah Energy Roadmap 2040, which are anchored on three core principles – energy security, cost affordability, and environmental sustainability.
He noted that Sabah has approved 1,000MW of new generation capacity, comprising hydroelectric, solar and wind energy sources.
In addition, the Sabah Energy Commission (ECos) plans to conduct a Large Scale Solar (LSS) bidding exercise with a capacity of 350MW in 2027 as part of efforts to expand renewable energy generation.
The event drew about 1,000 participants from government departments, state agencies, energy industry stakeholders, non-governmental organisations, and utilities sector representatives.
Dr Hazland’s attendance on behalf of the Sarawak Government underscored the strengthening of bilateral ties between Sarawak and Sabah, as well as a shared commitment to advancing sustainable energy development at the regional level.
