Battery technology has come a long way. What started with small batteries for flashlights and toys has now grown into large systems that power electric vehicles (EVs) and support national power grids. Today, the industry is also producing high-capacity lithium-ion batteries with longer lifespans, especially in consumer electronics.

With this growth comes responsibility. The battery industry must also manage its environmental impact, from how batteries are made to how they are disposed of. This is where companies such as EVE Energy are stepping in with cleaner solutions, by incorporating sustainable elements in the process. A key initiative is to secure solar energy to power their 24/7 operations.

At Tenaga Nasional Bhd’s Energy Transition Conference 2026 in June, EVE Energy and Tenaga Nasional Bhd, through its wholly-owned subsidiary GSPARX Sdn Bhd, entered into a strategic collaboration to develop large-scale photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in Malaysia. This partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy solutions, strengthen energy resilience, and support Malaysia’s energy transition towards a low-carbon and sustainable future. EVE Energy’s flagship Mr. Big Family series will serve as the core energy storage solution for Malaysia’s largest solar-plus-storage project, supporting the country’s energy transition, green and low-carbon development, and high-quality growth of the new energy industry.

This is GSPARX’s largest rooftop solar project so far. The total capacity is 40MWp. Phase 1 covers 25MWp and is scheduled to be operational by October 2026. Under the Outright Purchase model, GSPARX will lead the installation. Within the first 12 months, EVE Energy is expected to save about RM14 million on its electricity bill.

“Thanks to this mega rooftop solar project, the carbon dioxide (CO2) avoidance estimation is huge in the first year of operations — 18,637 tonnes of CO2, which is equivalent to nurturing 308,164 tree seedlings for 10 years or powering 16,459 EVs for a year,” says GSPARX managing director Sansubari Che Mud.

Phase II is expected to add 15MWp. Upon completion, the energy storage system equipped with the Mr. Big Family series will significantly increase the share of renewable energy in Malaysia’s power generation mix, enhance grid flexibility and stability, and provide crucial support for the country’s energy transition and green, low-carbon development.

This partnership not only marks a new stage in the cooperation between the two parties but also reflects the market’s strong recognition of EVE Energy’s technical capabilities, local manufacturing capacity and service system.

In the future, both sides will continue to deepen their strategic partnership, and accelerate project construction and innovation in new energy applications, enabling the Mr. Big Family series to further strengthen its presence in Southeast Asia’s energy market and jointly contribute to building a greener, more stable, and sustainable energy system for Malaysia.

EVE Energy will also act as a hybrid engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) partner. It will handle engineering, installation and commissioning, while GSPARX manages major equipment procurement.

“This partnership offers better control over quality and technology, while delivering a more competitive edge for GSPARX solar packages,” Sansubari says.

Founded in 2001, EVE Energy was listed on Shenzhen Growth Enterprise Market (GEM) in 2009 and has since built a comprehensive R&D platform spanning materials, cells and battery management systems to system integration.

Its products are widely applied in the fields of smart life, green transportation and energy transformation, among others.

EVE Energy Malaysia was set up in May 2023 at the Kedah EVE Industrial Park in Kulim. It is currently Malaysia’s only local manufacturer of battery energy storage system (BESS) cells, which combine globally leading energy storage technologies with world-class manufacturing capabilities.

The company focuses on green mobility, smart living and energy transition while remaining committed to providing customers worldwide with high-quality, efficient and reliable battery products and solutions.

Phase 1 focuses on cylindrical batteries for power tools and e-bikes. In early 2026, the company launched Phase 2, a RM6.8 billion expansion to produce large batteries for solar and energy storage.

“The Malaysia base will continue to uphold an innovation-driven development philosophy. Backed by EVE Energy’s global capabilities in manufacturing, collaboration and service, it will further strengthen local integration and international synergy, contributing to the company’s high-quality global development,” says its deputy general manager of investment and public relations Dr Fiona Hu.

“The facility utilises an ultra-automated, digitised ‘smart factory’ production process designed for extreme efficiency throughout the production lifecycle and high-speed throughput.

“AI (artificial intelligence) is used to address timely machine maintenance needs, catch defects and optimise chemical curing times before they leave the production floor, thus providing quality assurance for all our products.”

EVE Energy is committed to becoming a global leader in sustainable energy solutions by integrating environmental responsibility, technological innovation and circular economy principles throughout its operations and value chain.

Guided by its dual-carbon strategy, the company aims to achieve carbon neutrality in operations by 2030 and carbon neutrality across its value chain by 2040.

“By accelerating battery innovation, strengthening lifecycle traceability through Battery Passport initiatives, expanding global recycling networks, and promoting green factory development, EVE Energy strives to create lasting value for society while supporting the global transition toward a sustainable and carbon-neutral future,” says Dr Hu.

“We at GSPARX are humbled by the confidence and trust extended to us by EVE Energy to solarise their manufacturing hub in Kedah. Our mutual interests in sustainable energy are well matched, and we look forward to strengthening our collaboration in delivering even more competitive solar packages in the near future,” says Sansubari.