Powering the Future: The Role of BESS in Renewable Energy Integration
Malaysia is accelerating its transition toward a low-carbon future, with the government committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This ambition is guided by the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), which aims to reduce fossil fuel dependence from 96% in 2023 to 77% by 2050 while increasing renewable energy capacity from 4% to 22% during the same period.
Despite these goals, the intermittency of renewable energy sources like solar and wind poses challenges to grid reliability, as highlighted by the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) during its 2024 Renewable Energy Symposium.
Addressing Intermittency: The Role of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) have emerged as a transformative solution to address the intermittency of renewables. By storing surplus energy during peak generation and releasing it during low-output periods, BESS ensures grid stability and maximises renewable energy utilisation.
For instance, PETRA’s (Kementerian Peralihan Tenaga dan Transformasi Air) pilot BESS project in Melaka demonstrated a 30% reduction in grid fluctuations during monsoon seasons, showcasing its potential for scalability.
BESS technology also offers additional benefits such as cost optimisation, blackout prevention, and compliance with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. As Malaysia scales up its renewable capacity, BESS is becoming a cornerstone of the country’s energy strategy.
Technological Advancements in Energy Storage
While lithium-ion batteries currently dominate the market with an 80% share, emerging alternatives like sodium-ion and solid-state batteries are gaining traction. Sodium-ion batteries are particularly suited to Malaysia’s tropical climate due to their lower fire risks and up to 40% cost savings compared to lithium-ion systems. Solid-state batteries offer twice the energy density of traditional systems, making them ideal for compact urban installations.
These innovations are driving adoption across sectors such as transportation (45%) and utilities (35%), while manufacturing lags at just 10%. ENGINEER & MARVEX 2025 aims to address this gap through targeted industry engagement.
Policy Support for BESS Adoption
Malaysia’s government has introduced several initiatives to accelerate BESS adoption:
- Green Investment Tax Allowance (GITA): This policy has catalysed RM2.1 billion in investments since 2023 by incentivising businesses to adopt green technologies.
- Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (CRESS): Enhancements to CRESS allow corporations to procure renewable energy directly from producers, boosting interest in sustainable solutions.
- PETRA Grants: A RM500 million grant programme supports rural microgrid development, further expanding access to sustainable power solutions.
These policies create a conducive environment for BESS growth, aligning corporate ESG goals with technological advancements and investment opportunities.
ENGINEER & MARVEX 2025: A Platform for Collaboration
As Malaysia moves towards an energy-secure and sustainable future, events like ENGINEER & MARVEX 2025 will play a crucial role in driving awareness, fostering industry collaboration, and showcasing cutting-edge solutions.
These exhibitions provide a platform for market players to experience BESS technology in action, offering live demonstrations, expert insights, and business matching opportunities. Companies can explore how BESS can optimise their energy strategy, improve sustainability credentials, and tap into the growing demand for green energy solutions.
For consumers and businesses alike, these exhibitions serve as a platform to engage with industry leaders, discover the latest advancements, and understand how energy storage solutions can transform their operations. With BESS at the heart of Malaysia’s energy transition, now is the time to explore its potential.
Malaysia’s energy transition hinges on cross-sector collaboration. ENGINEER & MARVEX 2025 provides an unparalleled opportunity for stakeholders to explore cutting-edge BESS innovations, network with global experts, and leverage IEM’s newly launched BESS Technical Guidelines.
As Malaysia continues its journey toward a sustainable future powered by renewable integration, BESS stands at the forefront as a transformative solution.
This editorial is proudly brought to you by ENGINEER & MARVEX, ASEAN’s premier engineering expo co-organised by The Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) and C.I.S. ENGINEER & MARVEX serves as a dynamic platform for industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and innovators to collaborate on driving sustainable change across engineering disciplines.