TNB, Petronas-backed regional power project secures Singapore's conditional approval

KUALA LUMPUR: Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) and Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) are advancing their plans to develop a regional renewable electricity corridor connecting Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore, after receiving conditional approval from Singapore's Energy Market Authority. The project, backed by Singapore-listed Sembcorp Industries, is led by Sembcorp Utilities Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Sembcorp, and aims to provide up to 1.3 gigawatts of renewable electricity to Singapore.

The energy will be generated through offshore wind power in Vietnam, solar energy and battery storage in Malaysia. Electricity imports are expected to commence in 2035. The project will see electricity produced in Vietnam transmitted through Malaysia, serving as both a recipient and transit point for supplies headed to Singapore.

The conditional approval was granted to Sembcorp Utilities following a joint development agreement signed in May 2025 between PetroVietnam Technical Services Corp, Sembcorp Utilities, and MY Energy Consortium, comprising TNB and Petronas. The approval, announced at the opening of Singapore International Energy Week 2026 on Oct 26, marks progress in the project's development and cooperation among the participating parties.

The initiative seeks to harness Southeast Asia's renewable energy potential, enhance cross-border electricity connectivity, and contribute to the development of the Asean Power Grid.