Kota Kinabalu: The State Government launched the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Lahad Datu to reduce power interruption on the East Coast and improve the quality of life for people there.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor said the launching under the purview of Sabah Electricity was part of the State Government’s commitment to ensure stable, sufficient and affordable electricity supply.
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“It is an important milestone for Sabah as BESS Lahad Datu is the biggest energy storage facility not only in the country but in South East Asia, designed to enhance grid stability, reduce dependence on diesel, and support renewable energy integration in the state,” he said, at the launch officiated by Head of State Tun Musa Aman, at the Sabah International Convention Centre, Friday.
Hajiji’s speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister/Works and Utility Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
Hajiji said apart from BESS, several strategic steps are also being planned with some already implemented under the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Masterplan 2040 (SE RAMP 2040), which serves as the main guide for Sabah’s energy direction, emphasizing three core principles: energy security, cost affordability, and environmental sustainability.
“All these initiatives are crucial in ensuring socioeconomic progress and the well-being of the people across the state,” he said.
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He said the transition of electricity supply and renewable energy regulatory power from the Federal Government to Sabah in January 2024 has enabled the State to formulate its own policies and regulations, and expedite energy projects tailored to local needs under the supervision of the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS).
The State Government has also approved nearly 1,000 megawatts (MW) of new capacity, comprising various sources, including hydro, solar, and wind, he said.
To further enhance power generation in Sabah, he said ECoS has launched Large-Scale Solar (LSS) bids targeting solar power plant development from 1 MWac to 15 MWac in 2024.
From the bids, 15 projects with a total capacity of 199MW-113MW in the West Coast and 86 MW in the East Coast have been approved.
“With the existing projects including those currently being implemented, the LSS capacity in Sabah is expected to exceed 350 MW by 2027, which is equivalent to 23 per cent of the state’s total electricity generation capacity mix.”
Another Large-Scale Solar Photovoltaic (LSSPV) project in Kota Marudu, expected to be completed by 2026, would further boost Sabah’s energy capacity, he said.
Hajiji also said energy storage technology should be introduced in several strategic locations to reduce power interruptions and support the integration of renewable energy with the primary grid.
Sabah Electricity is collaborating with the Community Development Leader Unit (UPPM) to implement various initiatives, including the Sabah Renewable Energy Electrification Roadmap (SabahRE2), to expand access to electricity in rural areas and the interior.
Hajij also congratulated Sabah Electricity for its success at the Project Management Award (PMA) 2025, a regional appreciation ceremony held in Kuala Lumpur recently.
Sabah Electricity won several awards for its BESS project, recognised for its high impact within the utility and energy sector.
