LAHAD DATU: The Tenom Pangi Hydroelectric Power Station (SJHTP) is on track to be fully operational by the end of this year, with the capability to generate up to 66 megawatts (MW) of electricity, as announced by Sabah Electricity chairman Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the power station is equipped with three turbines, two of which are currently operational. The third turbine is expected to be functional by the year’s end. The full operation of this power plant is anticipated to increase the electricity supply reserve margin to approximately 25 percent by the middle of next year, around June or July.

Madius highlighted the current electricity reserve margin in the state, which is about five percent, acknowledging that it is significantly low. He explained that even a reserve margin reaching ten percent remains insufficient, as any generator malfunction could lead to automatic power outages, necessitating load-shedding measures.

To bolster the reserve margin, Sabah Elec
tricity is implementing several initiatives, including the development of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Lahad Datu with a 100MW capacity, alongside a 100MW gas-powered facility in Kimanis.

Addressing the electricity supply challenges in Sabah’s east coast, Madius noted that the region’s power generation is approaching 300MW. However, the electricity consumed is supplied from the west coast of Sabah via a single 275-kilowatt-per-hour (kWh) transmission line. Any disruptions, such as a trip in this line, could impact the entire east coast.

Madius emphasized the necessity of communicating to the public and local leaders about the need for an additional transmission line. Presently, the existing line extends from Kimanis to Sandakan. He proposed the construction of a second transmission line from Sipitang to Tawau, known as the ‘Southern Line,’ which would cover approximately 300 kilometers.