KUALA LUMPUR: Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) has inked two strategic partnerships with its counterparts from Indonesia and Singapore to accelerate efforts to create Asean Power Grid.
Under the first memorandum of understanding (MoU), TNB is joining hands with Indonesia's PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) and the Asean Centre for Energy to undertake a joint feasibility study to explore the potential for a cross-border electricity interconnection linking Sumatra in Indonesia and Peninsular Malaysia.
TNB said the interconnection project is instrumental in facilitating the seamless integration of renewable energy sources and stimulating economic development across Asean member countries.
The scope of the joint feasibility study encompasses technical assessments, policy and regulatory reviews, economic analyses, commercial frameworks, preliminary environmental and social impact assessments, as well as an implementation plan.
Meanwhile, in partnership with Singapore's SP Power Assets (SPPA), both parties are actively exploring the technical feasibility of a second power interconnection facility connecting the two countries.
""The signing of these MoUs is a significant milestone in TNB's efforts to strengthen the interconnected Aseam power grid's reliability and resilience.
"It will also promote the integration of renewable energy in the region," said TNB president and chief executive officer Datuk Baharin Din.
PLN president director Darmawan Prasodjo said interconnected grids offer reliable, robust, sustainable supply of green affordable energy to the region.
"However, we must navigate the complexities of designing and building interconnected grids. Complexities of alignment of policy. Complexities of technical challenge. Complexities of commercial feasibility. Complexities of large capital investment," he said.
SP Group chief executive officer Stanley Huang said the company is committed to upholding network reliability while preparing the grid for integration of sustainable energy sources.
"In supporting the energy transition, the joint committee will study the technical feasibility of enhancing regional connectivity to meet rising energy demand and enable greater access to renewable energy," said Huang.