KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah State Government has launched the Lahad Datu Battery Energy Storage System (BESS Lahad Datu) to reduce the risk of electricity supply disruptions in the East Coast and improve the quality of life of the people.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the launch of BESS Lahad Datu, under the management of Sabah Electricity, is part of the State Government’s commitment to ensuring the people continue to enjoy a stable, sufficient and affordable electricity supply.
“This achievement is a significant milestone for Sabah as BESS Lahad Datu is the largest energy storage facility not only in Malaysia but also in Southeast Asia. It is designed to enhance grid stability, reduce reliance on diesel and support the integration of renewable energy in the state,” he said.
Sabah Energy Master Plan and Roadmap 2040.
Hajiji said that in addition to BESS, several strategic measures have been planned, with some already implemented under the Sabah Energy Master Plan and Roadmap 2040 (SE-RAMP 2040), which serves as the main guide for Sabah’s energy direction. The plan emphasises three core principles: energy security, cost affordability and environmental sustainability.
“All these initiatives are crucial in ensuring socio-economic progress and the well-being of the people throughout the state,” he said.
He added that the transfer of regulatory authority over electricity supply and renewable energy from the Federal Government to Sabah in January 2024 has enabled the state to formulate its own policies and regulations, as well as accelerate the implementation of energy projects tailored to local needs under the supervision of the Sabah Energy Commission (ECoS).
1,000 MW approved for hydro, solar, wine sources.
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 boost energy generation in Sabah, Hajiji said ECoS launched a Large Scale Solar (LSS) bidding exercise in 2024 targeting the development of solar power plants ranging from 1MWac to 15MWac.
From the bidding exercise, 15 projects with a total capacity of 199MW — 113MW in the West Coast and 86MW in the East Coast — were approved.
“With existing projects, including those currently under implementation, Sabah’s LSS capacity is expected to exceed 350MW by 2027, equivalent to 23 per cent of the state’s total electricity generation capacity mix,” he said.
Another Large Scale Solar Photovoltaic (LSSPV) project in Kota Marudu, expected to be completed in 2026, will further increase Sabah’s energy capacity, he added.
Hajiji also said energy storage technology needs to be introduced at several strategic locations to reduce power disruptions and support the integration of renewable energy with the main grid.
Working with community leaders to expand renewable energy in rural Sabah
He said Sabah Electricity is working together with the Community Development Leader Unit (UPPM) to implement various initiatives such as the Sabah Renewable Energy Electrification Roadmap (SabahRE2) and to expand electricity access to rural and interior areas.
“The State Government remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the reliability, stability and long-term resilience of the state’s electricity supply system.
“Recognising this as a key factor in attracting and retaining domestic and international investment, the government, through cooperation between Sabah Electricity, ECoS and federal agencies, is committed to developing a safe, futuristic and investor-friendly energy ecosystem,” he said.
The Chief Minister also congratulated Sabah Electricity for winning several awards at the Project Management Award (PMA) 2025, a regional-level recognition event held in Kuala Lumpur recently. Sabah Electricity received multiple awards through its BESS projects, which were recognised for their high impact in the utilities and energy sector.
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