Powering The Future: The Role of BESS In Renewable Energy Integration

30 May 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is accelerating its transition towards a low-carbon future, with the government committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This ambition is guided by the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), which aims to reduce fossil fuel dependence from 96% in 2023 to 77% by 2050, while increasing renewable energy capacity from 4% to 22% during the same period.

Despite these ambitious goals, the intermittency of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind presents significant challenges to grid reliability, as highlighted by the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) during its 2024 Renewable Energy Symposium. Addressing this issue, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) have emerged as a transformative solution. By storing surplus energy generated during peak periods and releasing it during low-output times, BESS ensures grid stability and maximises the utilisation of renewable energy.

For example, PETRA’s pilot BESS project in Melaka demonstrated a 30% reduction in grid fluctuations during the monsoon season, showcasing its potential for scalability. Furthermore, BESS technology offers additional benefits such as cost optimisation, blackout prevention, and alignment with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives. As Malaysia scales up its renewable capacity, BESS is becoming a vital component of the country’s energy strategy.

Technological advancements in energy storage continue to drive progress. While lithium-ion batteries currently dominate the market with an 80% share, emerging alternatives such as sodium-ion and solid-state batteries are gaining traction. Sodium-ion batteries are particularly well-suited to Malaysia’s tropical climate due to their lower fire risks and potential cost savings of up to 40% compared to lithium-ion systems. Solid-state batteries, offering twice the energy density of traditional systems, are ideal for compact urban installations.

These innovations are influencing adoption across various sectors, with transportation accounting for approximately 45% and utilities around 35%. Meanwhile, manufacturing remains relatively underdeveloped at just 10%. Industry events such as ENGINEER & MARVEX 2025 aim to address this gap through targeted industry engagement, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration.

Malaysia’s government has introduced several initiatives to support the widespread adoption of BESS. The Green Investment Tax Allowance (GITA) has incentivised investments exceeding RM2.1 billion since 2023 by encouraging businesses to adopt green technologies. The Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (CRESS) has also been enhanced to enable corporations to procure renewable energy directly from producers, further boosting interest in sustainable solutions. Additionally, the PETRA Grants programme, with a budget of RM500 million, supports the development of rural microgrids, expanding access to sustainable power sources across the country.

As Malaysia moves towards an energy-secure and sustainable future, events like ENGINEER & MARVEX 2025 will play a pivotal role in raising awareness, fostering industry collaboration, and showcasing innovative solutions. These exhibitions offer a platform for market players to experience BESS technology through live demonstrations, expert insights, and business matching opportunities. Companies can explore how BESS can optimise their energy strategies, enhance sustainability credentials, and meet the increasing demand for green energy solutions.

For consumers and businesses alike, these exhibitions provide an invaluable opportunity to engage with industry leaders, discover the latest technological advancements, and understand how energy storage solutions can transform operations. With BESS at the heart of Malaysia’s energy transition, now is the time to explore its immense potential.

Malaysia’s journey towards a sustainable future depends on cross-sector collaboration. ENGINEER & MARVEX 2025 offers an unmatched platform for stakeholders to explore cutting-edge BESS innovations, network with global experts, and leverage IEM’s newly launched BESS Technical Guidelines. As Malaysia advances its renewable energy integration, BESS stands at the forefront as a transformative solution capable of powering the nation’s low-carbon ambitions.