Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) has announced plans to construct a 100MW battery energy storage system (BESS) with a capacity of 400MWh in Lahad Datu, making it the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia. This initiative is part of SESB’s ongoing efforts to enhance power generation capacity and stability for the Sabah Grid.
The company received the Letter of Notification (LoN) for the project from the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS), confirming its approval to proceed with the development on the state’s east coast.
“The trust vested in us by ECoS and the Sabah state government for the execution of this BESS project is significant. We are committed to undertaking this responsibility with the utmost dedication to ensure the project is operational within the planned timeframe,” SESB said in a statement.
With a projected maximum energy storage capacity of 400MWh, the BESS project will be the most extensive of its kind in the region, underscoring Sabah’s strategic push towards renewable energy and sustainable development.
Mohd Yaakob Jaafar, the CEO of SESB, noted that the project would bolster the reserve margin capacity of the Sabah Grid during peak demand periods while facilitating the integration of additional solar energy sources, particularly large-scale solar (LSS) projects.
Construction of the BESS infrastructure is slated to commence this month, with completion targeted for June 30, 2025. As part of the preparatory work, Mohd Yaakob recently inspected the Dam Road Main Intake Substation in Lahad Datu, which is undergoing an upgrade to a 275kV voltage capacity. This substation will serve as the critical injection point for the new BESS.
“This project represents a significant step in improving the generation capacity and stability of the Sabah Grid. At the same time, it will contribute to environmental sustainability and increase the potential for renewable energy generation in the region,” said Mohd Yaakob.
The project reflects Sabah’s broader commitment to sustainable energy solutions and positions the state as a leader in Southeast Asia’s renewable energy landscape.