Artist impression

Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) has launched a RM500mil project to boost electricity supply in Penang.

The project will see direct connection of supply from the national grid to Penang through overhead line transmission.

Slated for completion in 2024, the 275kV overhead line transmission will be in parallel with Penang Bridge through 31 monopoles, connecting the Prai Power Station (SJ) Main Inlet Substation (PMU) to The Light PMU on Penang island which will be built near Batu Uban army camp.

The project is set to be an iconic landmark of Penang due to the unique transmission line tower with a betel nut design.

It will be able to supply up to 2,000 megawatts (MW).

It is also the second of its kind in the country after the TNB 4.2km monopole overhead line project connecting Pantai Siring and Pulau Besar in Melaka.

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said currently the existing firm capacity in the island was 1130MW and expected to decrease when the Gelugor power station ends it service in August 2024.

“At the same time, supply demand is expected to increase in the future based on the peak load demand which reached 777.85MW in January 2020,” he said during his speech at the launch ceremony.

He said it was vital to implement the overhead line project which has a higher capacity compared to under-bridge cables and submarine cables.

The project, he noted, was capable of supplying 2,000MW from Prai to The Light PMU, depending on the load demand in the island area.

The project would be developed by three experienced companies in transmission line and sub-sea construction, he added.

One of the companies is the CHEC Construction (M) Sdn Bhd, which was directly involved in the construction of the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge.

“This project is also the most sustainable, supplying electricity from the national grid to the island while taking into consideration its cost, safety, efficiency and stability of supply, including the speed of detecting any damage or disruption,” Takiyuddin said.

The project will be part of TNB’s ongoing investment in developing and modernising the national grid into a stable and reliable smart grid in meeting the country’s energy transition needs, the minister said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, in his speech, said the project to boost electricity supply in Penang would be the catalyst for the state’s development.

“We can plan carefully or strategise our mega projects, but it can’t materialise if we don’t have enough and stable power supply.

“This is where TNB has played its role with the project implementation,” he said.

Describing the project as high impact and quality, Chow said the tower would be equipped with aesthetic decoration lamps, making it another iconic landmark and attraction in Penang.

Also present were TNB chief executive officer Datuk Baharin Din, TNB chief grid officer Datuk Husaini Husin and state executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari.

Source: TheStar.com.my