State Government Launches BESS Lahad Datu

12 December 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The State Government has launched the Battery Energy Storage System Lahad Datu (BESS Lahad Datu) to reduce the risk of power interruptions on the East Coast and to improve the quality of life for the people.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said the launch of BESS Lahad Datu, under the purview of Sabah Electricity, was part of the State Government’s commitment to ensuring that the people continue to enjoy a stable, sufficient, and affordable electricity supply.

“The achievement is an important milestone for Sabah, as BESS Lahad Datu is the largest energy storage facility not only in the country but also in South East Asia. It is designed to enhance grid stability, reduce dependence on diesel, and support renewable energy integration in the state,” he said.

Hajiji said this at the launching ceremony officiated by the Head of State, Tun Musa Aman, at the Sabah International Convention Centre here today. The Chief Minister’s speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister/Minister of Works and Utilities, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam.

Hajiji said that apart from BESS, several strategic steps were also being planned, with some already implemented under the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Masterplan 2040 (SERAMP 2040), which serves as the main guide for Sabah’s energy direction.

It emphasises three core principles: energy security, cost affordability, and environmental sustainability.

“All these initiatives are crucial in ensuring socioeconomic progress and the well-being of people across the state,” he said.

He said that the transition of electricity supply and renewable energy regulatory authority from the Federal Government to Sabah in January 2024 has enabled the State to formulate its own policies and regulations, expediting energy projects tailored to local needs under the supervision of the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS).

The State Government has also approved nearly 1,000 megawatts (MW) of new capacity from various sources, including hydro, solar, and wind, he said.

To further strengthen Sabah’s power generation, he said ECoS has launched Large-Scale Solar (LSS) bids targeting the development of solar power plants from 1MWac up to 15MWac in 2024.

From these bids, 15 projects with a total capacity of 199MW — 113MW on the West Coast and 86MW on the East Coast — have been approved.

“With the existing projects, including those currently being implemented, Sabah’s LSS capacity is expected to exceed 350MW by 2027, which is equivalent to 23 per cent of the state’s total electricity generation capacity mix,” he said.

Another Large-Scale Solar Photovoltaic (LSSPV) project in Kota Marudu, expected to be completed by 2026, will further boost Sabah’s energy capacity, he added.

Hajiji also said that energy storage technology should be introduced in several strategic locations to reduce power interruptions and support renewable energy integration with the main grid.

He said Sabah Electricity is working with the Community Development Leader Unit (UPPM) to implement various initiatives such as the Sabah Renewable Energy Electrification Roadmap (SabahRE2) and to expand access to electricity in rural and interior areas.

“The State Government remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the reliability, stability, and long-term resilience of the state’s electricity system."

“Recognising this as a crucial factor in attracting and sustaining both domestic and international investments, the government, in partnership with Sabah Electricity, ECoS, and federal agencies, is dedicated to fostering a secure, future-proof, and investor-friendly energy ecosystem,” he said.

The Chief Minister also congratulated Sabah Electricity for its success at the Project Management Award (PMA) 2025, a regional awards ceremony held recently in Kuala Lumpur.

Sabah Electricity won several awards for its BESS project, recognised for its significant impact within the utility and energy sector.