PETALING JAYA: Tenaga Nasional Bhd
(TNB) has presented a letter of intent to Laos’ Electricite Du Laos (EDL) to collaborate in facilitating cross-border renewable energy (RE) trade and human capital development.
This is part of TNB’s ongoing drive to strengthen the Asean Power Grid (APG) interconnectivity and to reinforce TNB Power Generation Sdn Bhd’s (TNB Genco) presence as the power generation arm in Asean countries.
In a statement, the utility company said it is keen to form a joint collaboration committee to optimise resource utilisation, bolster energy security, and promote knowledge and expertise sharing through innovative mechanisms for energy exchange, leveraging TNB’s educational and research institutions.
“This initiative further strengthens TNB’s strategic partnerships and the execution strategy with major energy players, as TNB Genco-EDL has signed a memorandum of understanding to explore investment and offtake opportunities for renewable power projects in Laos.
“The collaboration will also explore the feasibility of exporting the RE generated in Laos to Malaysia via the Laos-Thailand-Malaysia Power Integration Project or any other arrangements,” TNB said.
The trade value of RE export from Laos is projected to be between RM460mil for 200 megawatts (MW) in 2025 and a potential trade value of up to RM2.3bil for 1,000MW beyond 2030, it said.
TNB president and chief executive officer, Datuk Baharin Din, said the collaboration with EDL would enable both parties to develop mutually beneficial projects that can capitalise on both strengths.
“As the demand for RE sources continues to grow, EDL’s influential role in Laos’ power sector makes it an ideal partner to explore such opportunities,” he said.
Noting the pivotal role of human capital development in sustaining and advancing the energy sector, he said TNB had its own educational and research institutions, namely, TNB Integrated Learning Solution, Universiti Tenaga Nasional and TNB Research Sdn Bhd.
“By promoting the exchange of expertise and fostering cooperation in research and development, these institutions can create a skilled workforce that drives innovation and tackles challenges. This approach can be utilised to encourage knowledge sharing,” said Baharin. — Bernama
