Leader Energy and Plus Xnergy to Deploy Malaysia’s First NaS Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

Kuala Lumpur, Thursday, 10 October 2024 – Leader Energy Group Berhad (“Leader Energy”) via its wholly-owned subsidiary Leader Solar Energy II Sdn Bhd (“LSE II”) today signed an agreement with Plus Xnergy Services Sdn Bhd (“Plus Xnergy”) to deploy the country’s first sodium-sulfur (NaS) battery energy storage system (BESS).

Plus Xnergy will install the 1.45MWh capacity BESS in LSE II’s large scale solar (LSS) farm located at Bukit Selambau, Kedah. The groundbreaking system utilises NaS battery technology which has greater energy density and can fully discharge without cell degradation. As a result, it can store more energy in a smaller footprint while having longer life span.

This project is also Malaysia’s first utility-scale BESS connected to an operational LSS farm. BESS alleviates intermittency challenges by enabling excess energy from the LSS farm to be stored and discharged as required for a stable and uninterrupted output of energy. This system’s scalable design allows for future expansion through a two-layer stacked configuration, further enhancing energy security in a highly efficient manner.

“Leader Energy is proud to be at the forefront of Malaysia’s renewable energy landscape with the deployment of the country’s first-of-its-kind NaS BESS. This innovative project will improve the efficiency and reliability of our solar energy operations at LSE II, while also demonstrating the broader potential of NaS BESS for grid firming and energy stability. Together with Plus Xnergy, we are setting a new benchmark for sustainable and advanced energy solutions in Malaysia’s energy sector,” said Dato’ Sean H’ng, Executive Deputy Chairman and co-group CEO of Leader Energy.

Plus Xnergy Group CEO Ko Chuan Zhen said, “Pioneering this NaS BESS system represents another milestone for us in supporting Malaysia’s net zero ambitions. We are pleased with the foresight of Leader Energy in piloting this technology, which has tremendous benefits for our renewable energy industry. The project will contribute to meeting the rising demand for stable renewable energy, particularly with Malaysia emerging as a regional data and cloud centre hub.”

Construction of the NaS BESS system will commence in mid-October 2024, with completion expected by the end of the year. Once operational, the system will contribute to an estimated annual carbon avoidance of 126.5 tCO2e and support Malaysia’s net-zero ambitions.

The deployment of BESS encourages integration of renewable energy into the grid and the enhanced energy stability is expected to have significant upside for the economy. BESS ensures a steady power supply, even during peak demand or when generation is low. This not only stabilises the grid but also lowers energy costs in the long run, supporting economic growth. BESS also helps reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and create new job opportunities in the renewable energy and technology sectors for the community.

The contract exchange ceremony between Leader Energy and Plus Xnergy was witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister YAB Dato Sri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof and took place at the International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition & Conference Malaysia (iGEM) 2024 in Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

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Leader Energy

Leader Energy Group Berhad (formerly known as Leader Energy Holding Berhad) (a wholly-owned subsidiary of HNG Capital Sdn Bhd) and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Leader Energy” or “the Group”) has a track record of more than 30 years in the power industry. Established since 1994, Leader Energy is an independent power producer (IPP) specializing in the development, ownership, operation, and maintenance of renewable energy power assets and projects. Its diverse portfolio spans across seven countries in Asia, giving it a competitive edge in pursuing new renewable energy initiatives. This includes Hydro, Utility-Scale Solar, C&I Solar, Transmission, Wind, Energy Storage, and Green Mobility. Leader Energy has committed to developing and acquiring only renewable energy assets and related businesses. The Group has set an ambitious goal to achieve Net Zero GHG Emissions by 2030. Leader Energy aims to be a leading provider of renewable, reliable, and affordable electricity, supporting the energy transition and economic growth of the Asia-Pacific region in a sustainable, innovative, and socially responsible manner. For more information, please visit www.leaderenergy.com.

Plus Xnergy

Plus Xnergy, a clean energy solutionist with an ecosystem that covers Energy Generation, Energy Efficiency and Energy Storage, is en route to becoming a BM Greentech Berhad subsidiary. In line with the company mission to accelerate clean energy transition, it provides clean energy infrastructure for commercial, industrial, residential and LSS projects including solar farms in Kedah, Perlis and Perak. It has built a strong presence in Malaysia with a nationwide footprint of over 400 MWp of installed solar PV capacity, which generated 2,000 GWh in clean energy as of March 2024. Further information available at https://www.plusxnergy.com/.

Leader Energy and Plus Xnergy to Deploy Malaysia’s First NaS Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

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