LONDON – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed optimism that Tenaga Nasional Bhd’s (TNB) foray into the renewable energy (RE) sector in the United Kingdom will yield significant long-term benefits for Malaysia, particularly in terms of technology transfer.
The prime minister emphasised that Malaysia is actively seeking new investments in the RE sector driven by robust economic growth and the fast-growing Southeast Asian region.
“With the changing times, you realise that there is now the shift from the conventional utilisation of energy to the new energy, RE. And TNB as a major player has done remarkably well,” he said at the launching of TNB’s 102 Megawatt (MW) Eastfield and Bunkers Hill solar farms in the United Kingdom.
The national utility corporation has a total RE gross portfolio (comprising mainly solar and wind energy generation assets) totalling 1.3 GW in operation and development across the UK and Ireland, as well as 3.2 GW in Peninsular Malaysia (including 2.5 GW of large hydro).
Bunkers Hill in Rotherwick (66.7 Megawatt Peak (MWp)) and Eastfield in Harbury (35 MWp) are two cutting-edge solar farms. Both solar farms deliver a combined capacity of 102 MW, showcasing Malaysia’s expertise in driving sustainable energy solutions worldwide.
Both sites are targeted to achieve their Commercial Operation Date (COD) by early this year.
The projects are supported by a 15-year Contract-for-Difference (CfD) scheme secured in July 2022, ensuring revenue stability through fixed pricing for RE generation, while safeguarding investors from market volatility.
TNB currently owns, develops, and operates RE assets across the UK and Ireland, including solar, onshore, offshore wind, and battery projects.
The two newly completed solar greenfield development projects, once achieving COD, will increase TNB’s total generation capacity in the UK to 908 MW.
TNB president/chief executive officer Datuk Megat Jalaluddin Megat Hassan in his speech at the event said that TNB is proud of its contributions to the RE space as the company continues to make its presence not only in Malaysia and the UK but also in other global markets.
“We aim to leverage the expertise we have built over the past 75 years by embracing key technological advancements and prioritising talent development,” he said.
Also present were Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir, and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
In the Asean context, Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said the government will prioritise enhancing regional energy cooperation through the Asean Power Grid, a critical initiative for advancing the region’s energy transition.
“Key steps include integrating Thai and Lao energy grids into the broader Asean network and exporting Sarawak’s hydroelectric power to Singapore. These efforts mark a significant stride towards strengthening energy security and accelerating the clean energy transition in the Global South,” he said.
According to him, TNB, with other players, has been entrusted with the responsibility to conduct research to explore new avenues, particularly in the area of RE and he praised the national energy company for continuing investment in training and expertise.
“TNB’s investment scale is national here, and of course, it would require a lot of effort. I must thank TNB for its role in the energy transition roadmap,” he added. – January 17, 2025