KOTA KINABALU: The State Government has launched the Battery Energy Storage System Lahad Datu (BESS Lahad Datu) to reduce power interruption risks in the East Coast and to improve the people’s quality of life.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said the launching of BESS Lahad Datu under the purview of Sabah Electricity was part of the State Government’s commitment to ensure the people would continue to enjoy stable, sufficient and affordable electricity supply.
“The success 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 supporting renewable energy integration in the state,” he said.
Hajiji said this at the launching ceremony officiated by Head of State Tun Musa Aman at the Sabah International Convention Centre , here today.
The Chief Minister’s speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister/Works and Utility Minister Datuk Seri Panglima 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 (SERAMP 2040) which serves as the main guide for Sabah’s energy direction, emphasising on 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.
He said the transition of electricity supply and renewable energy regulatory power from the Federal Government to Sabah in January 2024 has allowed the State to formulate its own policies and regulations and expediting 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 megawatt (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 1MWac up to 15MWac 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,” he said.
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 that the energy storage technology should be introduced in several strategic locations to reduce power interruptions and support renewable energy integration with the main grid.
He said Sabah Electricity is working with the Community Development Leader Unit (UPPM) to implement various initiatives such as the Sabah Renewable Energy Electrification Roadmap (SabahRE2) and widen access to electricity in rural areas and interior.
“The State Government remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the reliability, stability, and long-term resilience of the state’s electricity system.
“Recognising this as a crucial factor for attracting and sustaining both domestic and international investments, the government, in partnership with Sabah Electricity, ECoS and federal agencies, is dedicated to fostering a secure, future-proof, and investorfriendly energy ecosystem,” he said.
The Chief Minister 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. – pr/BNN
