Leader Energy and Plus Xnergy to Deploy Malaysia’s First Sodium-Sulfur Battery Energy Storage System

Leader Energy Group Berhad, through its subsidiary Leader Solar Energy II Sdn Bhd (LSE II), has partnered with Plus Xnergy Services Sdn Bhd to install Malaysia’s first sodium-sulfur (NaS) battery energy storage system (BESS). The groundbreaking 1.45MWh capacity BESS will be deployed at LSE II’s large-scale solar (LSS) farm in Bukit Selambau, Kedah.

This project marks Malaysia’s first utility-scale BESS connected to an operational solar farm and features advanced NaS battery technology, which offers higher energy density and a longer discharge duration compared to lithium-based systems. The NaS battery can fully discharge without cell degradation, providing discharge durations of 6-18 hours. The scalable system is designed to enhance energy security and support grid stability by storing excess solar energy and discharging it efficiently to the grid.

Dato’ Sean H’ng, Executive Deputy Chairman and co-Group CEO of Leader Energy, highlighted the significance of the project in strengthening Malaysia’s renewable energy landscape. “This innovative NaS BESS deployment will enhance the efficiency of our solar operations, set a new benchmark for sustainable energy solutions, and contribute to grid firming,” he said.

The installation of the NaS BESS is set to begin in mid-October 2024 and is expected to be completed 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 project was officially announced during the contract exchange ceremony at the International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition & Conference Malaysia (iGEM) 2024, witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister YAB Dato Sri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof.