KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 3): The government is set to require the next round of bidding for large-scale solar (LSS) projects to be equipped with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to enhance grid reliability.

“It is the government’s intention that when we implement the next LSS, we expect these projects to come with — or be required to install — BESS as part of their system,” Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir told the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday during the question-and-answer session.

BESS is a large-scale battery system that stores excess electricity and discharges it when needed to ensure a stable energy supply.

Akmal said the pilot BESS project currently being developed by Tenaga Nasional Bhd (KL:TENAGA) is in the construction phase, and is expected to begin operations by end-2026.

In addition, the Energy Commission (EC) has launched the Malaysia Battery Energy Storage Technology (MyBEST) open bidding exercise for 400MW/1,600MWh of BESS capacity at the utility level.

“The EC has completed evaluations for the MyBEST open tender for energy storage systems. The results will be announced soon, pending approval from the Finance Ministry,” Akmal said.

To ensure battery technologies used in the country are environmentally friendly and do not worsen the issue of used battery waste, Akmal said the ministry has put in place several environmental safeguards.

These include requiring engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) providers to outline dismantling, decommissioning, disposal and recycling procedures in line with local laws, as well as compliance with the Environmental Quality Act and the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007.

The ministry also requires the implementation of an environmental management plan and mandatory recycling of battery components.

On safety, Akmal said BESS installations must meet Fire and Rescue Department requirements under the NFPA 855 standard, and comply with international standards such as IEC 62619 and UL 9540 to minimise fire or explosion risks.

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