State-owned Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) is the dominant electric utility in Malaysia. Now they’ve made it official by partnering with the China Electric Power Technology (CET) to transform the country’s power infrastructure. The MoU was signed in Shah Alam, Selangor by TNB President and CEO Datuk Ir Megat Jalaluddin Megat Hassan. He was accompanied by CET Chair Yu Jun for this momentous event. The signing ceremony was attended by Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof.
This unique collaboration is important because it turns its attention specifically to creating a more efficient, resilient, and low-carbon power system. TNB is committed to upgrading its grid infrastructure. This effort will address the growing transmission demand driven by renewable energy expansion and it will improve regional sustainability and security.
Key Areas of Collaboration
The partnership between TNB and CET will concentrate on three essential areas: power system planning and integration, the development of smart and resilient networks, and the implementation of digital and AI solutions. In return, TNB will provide technical data and engineering expertise to CET. In exchange, CET will provide invaluable expertise in advanced technologies and impactful lessons learned from SGCC’s extensive international operations.
This strategic partnership will lay the groundwork to increase technological synergy in designing and building integrated power grids and distribution networks. By tapping into CET’s experience with ultra-high voltage (UHV) transmission and smart grid resilience, TNB hopes to strengthen its operational capabilities and improve service delivery nationwide.
“CET, as SGCC’s global platform for power project investment, construction, and operation, has completed projects in over 40 countries. We are proud to partner with TNB, a leader in Asia’s power industry, to share SGCC’s experience in ultra-high voltage (UHV) transmission, smart grid resilience, and AI-driven grid management. This collaboration not only strengthens China-Malaysia bilateral ties but also contributes to the broader vision of ASEAN energy security and sustainability.” – Yu Jun
Supporting ASEAN Energy Goals
This partnership will help catalyze Malaysia’s own efforts toward grid modernization. Perhaps best of all, it’s right in line with the Association of Southeast Asian Nation’s (ASEAN) long-term vision for improved regional power connectivity. A joint working committee will be formed through the MoU. This committee will be tasked with actively overseeing the progress of their collaboration.
The partnership coincides with a period where Malaysia has an urgent desire to improve its national energy makeup. TNB has recently partnered with DayOne Data Centers to establish a corporate renewable energy supply. This new initiative will deliver about 500 megawatts of new renewable energy, proving TNB’s serious commitment to sustainable enterprise.
“As Malaysia’s primary electricity provider, TNB is dedicated to building a more efficient, resilient, and low-carbon power system. This MoU with SGCC, through its wholly owned subsidiary CET, enables us to leverage global best practices in power system planning, smart grid technology, and digital solutions, which are essential for integrating shares of renewable energy and strengthening our role in the ASEAN Power Grid (APG).” – Datuk Ir Megat Jalaluddin Megat Hassan
A Vision for the Future
The marriage of TNB and CET is a major victory for the ongoing effort to improve Malaysia’s electricity grid. With CET’s extensive experience serving over 1.1 billion customers in more than 40 countries, TNB is well-positioned to benefit from this collaboration. The combined technical expertise will help advance Malaysia’s power systems into the 21st century. Moreover, they will be instrumental in increasing energy security across Southeast Asia.