KUCHING, May 29 — Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects are being expanded nationwide as the government moves to strengthen grid stability and support the growing use of renewable energy, particularly solar power.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said tenders for BESS projects have been opened at several locations in peninsular Malaysia following the increasing implementation of renewable energy initiatives such as solar.

He said BESS plays a crucial role in maintaining grid stability as solar power depends on sunlight, while renewable energy sources that do not provide base load supply can affect the stability of the electricity system.

“The government has opened tenders for BESS, particularly in Peninsular Malaysia, because as more solar projects are implemented, energy supply from solar and renewable energy sources that do not provide base load supply could threaten grid stability,” he told reporters after attending an Aidiladha qurban programme at Surau Darul Ihsan Kampung Sinjan here today.

On May 18, Fadillah officiated the 100-megawatt (MW) Santong BESS project in Dungun, Terengganu, which is expected to benefit about 40,000 users on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

Meanwhile, he said the implementation of BESS is also being expanded to Sabah through Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd and in Sarawak through Sarawak Energy Berhad.

Fadillah said battery systems allow energy supply to be distributed more steadily according to current usage demand and patterns.

“This helps ensure the grid remains stable and not threatened. That is why all Large Scale Solar (LSS) projects currently being tendered also involve the use of batteries,” he said. — Bernama

 Malay Mail – Malaysia