A major energy milestone is on the horizon for Sabah as the state prepares to commission Southeast Asia’s largest Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) by mid-year.

The 100-megawatt facility, capable of storing up to 400 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity, is currently being developed by Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) in Lahad Datu. The project is seen as a crucial step in improving power supply reliability across Sabah’s east coast and accelerating the transition to renewable energy.

SESB chairman Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau said the project team is racing against a tight deadline to ensure the system is operational within the next few months.

“We are working on a very tight schedule to make sure the BESS is commissioned by mid-year,” Tangau said during a visit to the POIC Lahad Datu container terminal on Thursday.

“This project is not only about energy storage — it’s about boosting grid stability, supporting our shift to renewables, and strengthening SESB’s collaboration with key partners like POIC,” he added.

More than 403 containers of BESS components have been delivered in stages and are currently being offloaded at the terminal.

The battery system is expected to significantly enhance Sabah’s generation capacity, help balance energy supply during peak demand, and reduce reliance on conventional fossil fuel sources.

Tangau was accompanied during the site visit by POIC chairman and former Sabah chief minister Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee.

The BESS facility is part of Sabah’s broader push to modernise its energy infrastructure and improve power resilience in underserved regions. – April 24, 2025