Second phase of Hulu T’ganu power station restoration slated for completion in June

KUALA LUMPUR – The second phase of restoration of the Sultan Mahmud Power Station (SJSM) in Tasik Kenyir, Terengganu, which was affected by floods last February, is expected to be completed in June.

Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) in a statement today said the restoration works included maintenance of equipment and power-generating assets.

It said once the second phase was completed, the third phase of restoration works would take place, where the entire process took almost six months to ensure the station’s safety.

According to TNB president and chief executive officer Datuk Baharin Din, the implementation of remedial measures to restore SJSM’s operations also included assessing the impact of the incident on the dam structure.

“The assessment found that the dam structure remains strong and safe. The situation around Tasik Kenyir is also safe,” he said.

He said apart from seeking the services of external consultants to conduct a detailed assessment of the structural integrity of the dam, TNB also worked with the Public Works Department to monitor the slope condition, including at five landslide locations near SJSM.

“SJSM, which has four hydro turbine units, each with 100MW nameplate capacity, is one of the two power-generating plants in Kenyir. Another plant is known as the Hulu Terengganu Power Station,” he said. 

SJSM has been temporarily shut down after a 132kV transmission tower, which supplies electricity from SJSM to the national grid, collapsed on February 27 due to a landslide following the unusually heavy and continuous rain since February 25.

TNB had activated its Business Continuity Plan (emergency action plan) as soon as the incident occurred to address the situation, including coordinating with the stakeholders, government agencies and other departments at TNB.

The first phase of the restoration works, including clearing the flood debris, have been carried out by TNB, in addition to inspections of the dam structure, equipment, slope safety and buffer areas as well as overflow channels. – Bernama, April 10, 2022