KUALA LUMPUR: Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) is currently finalising partnerships and conducting feasibility studies for the development of Renewable Energy (RE) zones for Large-Scale Solar (LSS) and hybrid floating solar Photovoltaic (PV) totalling 2,500 MW in capacity.
The company is also exploring groundbreaking co-firing projects involving hydrogen and ammonia, signalling a clear commitment to innovation and sustainability.
TNB president and chief executive officer, Datuk Seri Baharin Din, said the company is fast-tracking these key projects under the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) which is in line with its Energy Transition Plan (ETP), spanning the entire electricity value chain.
"These initiatives represent tangible steps in our journey towards fulfilling our sustainability commitments and vision, all the while fostering robust business growth," he said in a statement.
Furthermore, TNB is actively formulating a robust business case for hydrogen production, encompassing both export and domestic usage, with an anticipated completion timeline of two years.
Green hydrogen will play a prominent role in its co-firing initiatives under TNB Power Generation Sdn Bhd (TNB Genco).
Next-generation gas-fired power plants, equipped with hydrogen-ready technology, will be introduced starting in 2030, leading to electricity production characterised by significantly lower carbon emissions.
During Baharin's keynote address at the 24th Conference of the Electricity Power Supply Industry (CEPSI) held recently in China, he said TNB had solidified its pledge to spearhead Malaysia's energy transition by championing transformative renewable energy projects.
He underscored the significance of the Asean-China collaboration in the relentless pursuit of net zero goals.
"Together, both powerhouses aren't simply embracing net zero goals but leading the charge in navigating the global energy transition, forging monumental strides towards a low-carbon future, and catalysing substantial economic growth," he said.
He also said that TNB's commitment to supporting Malaysia's position as the regional data centre hub, introducing the Green Lane Pathway - a game-changer tailored for the data centre market, streamlining electricity supply and implementation timelines significantly.
It is an exclusive initiative tailored to the needs of the data centre market, offering expedited electricity supply options and reducing the implementation time from 36-48 months to 12 months.
"TNB also provides a one-stop-centre for data centre investors and anticipates the potential demand from data centres to exceed 4,300 MW by 2035," he said.
Shifting gears, Baharin highlighted TNB's commitment to empowering the Asean Power Grid and expressed anticipation for China's support in RE projects, foreseeing immense growth, job creation and economic development across the region.
Baharin said Asean and China are undeniably prominent players on the global energy stage, both playing pivotal roles in the ongoing energy transition.
"The immense potential for growth and collaboration between these two regions holds the key to achieving our shared objective of advancing towards a low-carbon, sustainable future," he added.
The CEPSI 2023, a biennial event, serves as the flagship gathering of the Association of the Electricity Supply Industry of East Asia and the Western Pacific (AESIEAP).
This year, CEPSI 2023 witnessed the participation of approximately 2,500 representatives from member countries, highlighting its significance as a premier platform for industry collaboration and knowledge exchange. --BERNAMA