Malaysia tightens battery storage safety as renewable energy capacity approaches 14GW

As Malaysia's renewable energy capacity nears 14 gigawatts, Deputy Prime Minister II Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof stressed the urgent need for stringent safety standards and industry compliance in battery energy storage systems (BESS). The increasing share of solar power in the country's energy mix has made BESS essential for maintaining grid stability and balancing electricity supply and demand.

Malaysia aims to achieve 35% renewable energy in its installed capacity by 2030 and 70% by 2050. BESS enables surplus electricity generated during peak supply periods to be stored and redistributed as needed, enhancing the flexibility and reliability of the national energy system. Fadillah emphasized that safety must be the foundation of every decision in energy technology development, warning that non-compliance with technical and safety requirements could result in system failures, fires, and threats to public safety and the environment.

The Energy Commission issued Battery Energy Storage System Safety Guidelines, outlining relevant technical and safety standards. Fadillah welcomed BESSC Sdn Bhd's initiative to develop an additional certification scheme, which would contribute to establishing a safer, more reliable, and competitive energy storage ecosystem. However, this proposed certification would be voluntary and not replace existing regulatory requirements.

The government, through the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry, will support the initiative through strategic cooperation, technical guidance, and coordination among stakeholders. Malaysia's ongoing MyBEST tender and the Large Scale Solar 6 (LSS6) programme, which include battery storage components, demonstrate the country's commitment to expanding BESS deployment.