Sabah, Malaysia, is poised to inaugurate its first 10MWac large-scale solar (LSS) plant, which is slated to commence commercial operations by the end of this month. The development is seen as a significant step towards promoting green and renewable energy in the region.
The Chief Executive Officer of Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB), Mohd Yaakob Jaafar, announced this crucial development, underscoring its importance in the transition to sustainable and clean energy sources. The LSS plant, spanning approximately 16 hectares, will host 24,672 solar panels collectively capable of generating 10MWac of clean electricity from the abundant sunlight in the region.
This initiative is expected to play a vital role in strengthening Sabah's power grid reserve margin, which currently stands at 12.1%. Frequent power shortages have led to load shedding due to grid capacity shortfalls, making the LSS plant a pivotal addition to enhance the grid's reserve margin during peak demand periods.
SDK Power Sdn Bhd (SPSB) was among the 10 selected bidders awarded the contract under the LSS1 and LSS2 schemes. In August 2021, they signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with SESB. Yaakob expressed his enthusiasm during a recent visit to the SDK Power LSS plant, highlighting its status as the largest solar power project in Sandakan. He emphasized that this project underscores SESB's commitment to achieving Sabah's renewable energy goals and aligns with the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).
Additionally, Yaakob mentioned that the remaining nine developers from the LSS1 and LSS2 schemes are expected to gradually join the Sabah grid, with completion anticipated by June 2024.
