SANDAKAN: The Sabah Energy Commission (ECoS) has rolled out a series of interim fast-track measures to stabilise the State’s power grid, including extending the operation of the Libaran power plant for another two years and leasing diesel gen-sets at multiple locations.
During a visit to the Libaran power plant, ECoS CEO Datuk Ir. Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid said the facility, operated by Independent Power Producer (IPP) Eden Inc. under Stratavest Sdn Bhd, will continue using medium fuel oil for another two years to ensure sufficient power generation capacity.
Advertisement“This is one of the fastest interim solutions we can implement because the power plant is already operational. Extending its operations allows us to address power demand quickly while we work on long-term solutions,” he said.
The 45MW power plant has been in operation since 1998 and remains efficient, making it a viable short-term measure to boost Sabah’s electricity reserves.
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In Tawau, a similar approach is being applied, including the extension of operations at the Serudong power plant, which generates 33MW, and the rental of diesel gen-sets with a total capacity of 90MW for two years.
AdvertisementMeanwhile, on the west coast, rental gas turbines powered by natural gas are being used, taking advantage of available gas resources.
“On the east coast, we don’t have access to natural gas, so we are using medium fuel oil and diesel, even though they are more expensive. However, we are ensuring that their use is minimal and only when necessary,” he said.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});With these interim solutions in place, Sabah’s electricity reserve margin has increased from below 10pc last year to 15pc currently. However, Abdul Nasser said ECoS is targeting a more comfortable level of at least 25pc by mid-year.
“If all our planned projects are executed as scheduled, we should reach that target by the middle of this year,” he said.
He also highlighted a long-term solution currently in development, the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Inopura Power, a subsidiary of Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB).
“Unlike these interim measures, which are only temporary and not cost-optimal, the BESS is a permanent fast-track solution that will improve stability in the long run,” he added.
Later, at the PPU Ulu Sibuga injection point in Sandakan, where leased diesel gen-sets are supplying an additional 25MW to the grid, Abdul Nasser reaffirmed the importance of these fast-track measures.
“This site is part of our larger effort to temporarily boost electricity generation while permanent projects are being completed. The rental diesel gen-sets were introduced here in early January, and we are already seeing improvements,” he said.
He noted that five locations — one in Labuan and four in Sandakan — are now hosting leased diesel gen-sets, collectively supplying 90MW of power.
“This is the quickest and most effective method to stabilise supply for now, but once permanent solutions, such as natural gas power plants in the west coast, are completed, these interim measures will be phased out,” he said.
Abdul Nasser reiterated ECoS’ commitment to ensuring Sabah’s power supply is stable, particularly for consumers, businesses and investors.
“We are taking proactive steps to avoid the kind of power disruptions we experienced last year. Our goal is to resolve these issues as quickly as possible and ensure we have sufficient power for future demand,” he said.
