Kuala lumpur: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has called for greater emphasis on research and development (RandD) in energy storage technology following the launch of the 100MW/400MWh Santong Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project developed by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB). Fadillah, who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, said the move was crucial to reduce Malaysia's dependence on imported batteries while building domestic capabilities in the production and development of energy-related technologies.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fadillah expressed hope that the first BESS launch would serve as a starting point for TNB to continue expanding its efforts, particularly in strengthening cooperation with overseas suppliers. He emphasized the need for Malaysia to focus on research and development and build internal capabilities in battery manufacturing and related technologies rather than merely importing batteries.
Fadillah elaborated on the increasingly uncertain global landscape, highlighting the need for Malaysia to reduce its reliance on foreign countries and strengthen national self-sufficiency across the entire energy sector chain. He stressed the importance of developing national capabilities in energy supply and related technologies, including battery storage systems, to eventually produce Malaysia's own batteries.
He outlined Malaysia's energy transition efforts, which must address three key elements of the energy trilemma. The first element is energy security, ensuring a stable and sufficient supply amid global uncertainties. The second element is sustainability, aiming for environmentally friendly energy supply and reducing dependence on carbon combustion. Fadillah noted that Malaysia's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 requires the energy sector to play a central role, with about 70 percent of energy expected to come from renewable or clean sources.
The third element, affordability, ensures that energy supply remains not only secure and sustainable but also affordable for consumers and competitive for the industrial sector.