RANAU: Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) is committed to strengthening the electricity grid system with the upcoming 'Southern Link' project, to enhance the reliability of power distribution across the state, Sabah First Info reported.
This ambitious initiative, envisioned to complete the Sabah State Grid, will see the construction of a 330-kilometre transmission line stretching from Sipitang through Tenom to Kalabakan and Tawau.
SESB CEO Mohd Yaakob Jaafar shared insights into the critical nature of the 'Southern Link' project, particularly in light of recent emergencies that necessitated swift repairs to transmission towers T194 and T300 in Ranau due to structural damage.
"The existing 275kV line connecting East Sabah to the West is currently through the 275kV Kolopis-Segaliud transmission line.
The new project will be pivotal as it will provide an alternative route, ensuring stability and redundancy in the power supply, especially since East Sabah's demand for an additional 200MW of electricity relies heavily on the generation capacity from the West," he said.
While the final decision from the government on the commencement of the 'Southern Link' project is pending, SESB is optimistic about starting in 2024, with an expected completion by 2030.
The project is deemed critical for the energy security of Sabah, particularly the East Coast, which is heavily dependent on power from the West Coast.
In response to the recent tower damages, SESB has swiftly implemented the Emergency Restoration System (ERS), a temporary solution in collaboration with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and the state government.