A network of EV charging stations will be installed at the selected R&R along PLUS highway 

By TMR / Pic courtesy of TNB

TENAGA Nasional Bhd (TNB) is collaborating with PLUS Malaysia Bhd for carbon emissions reductions by providing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on PLUS highways, among others. 

Both parties have agreed to work together through three sustainability initiatives — developing EV charging station network, installation of efficiency monitoring system energy and installation of photovoltaic solar systems — at selected Rest and Service Areas (R&Rs). 

Through the collaboration, a network of EV charging stations will be installed at the selected R&R along the PLUS highway alignment, while the energy efficiency monitoring system and photovoltaic solar systems will be installed on the roof of Ayer Keroh R&R building (northbound) and Tapah R&R (northbound) with total capacity over 360 kWp (kilowatt peak). 

“TNB will provide a reliable and stable electricity supply to the eco-system EV charging mutually agreed upon by both parties. TNB also offers solutions to PLUS that can optimise electricity costs and support green resources and sustainable energy in reducing carbon emissions,” TNB president and CEO Datuk Baharin Din said in a statement yesterday. 

He explained all three initiatives under the memorandum of understanding (MoU) would reduce carbon emissions as well as support green energy use in addition to optimising the use of electricity in business operations to further increase commitment on environmental, social and governance (ESG). 

“A joint venture with various organisations such as PLUS further strengthen investors’ confidence about our commitment to ESG and provide potential strategic measures for business expansion beyond kWh,” he added. 

The exchange of this strategic cooperation document through MoU between Baharin and PLUS MD Datuk Azman Ismail was held at the Kuala Convention Centre last Friday, witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, the Minister of Finance Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz and Senior Minister and Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali. 

Also present was Khazanah Nasional Bhd MD Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir, TNB chief distribution network officer Wan Nazmy Wan Mahmood, chief grid officer Datuk Husaini Husin, chief retail officer Datuk Megat Jalaluddin Megat Hassan among others. 

Azman said the initiative was implemented to further increase the network of electric vehicle charging stations to ensure the journey of customers using EVs is smoother, safer and more comfortable, particularly along the PLUS highway. 

“This initiative strengthens PLUS’ commitment to leading the industry as a road operator highway that is sensitive to environmental sustainability. In addition to ensuring good governance and being committed to the needs of society, environmental management is also one of the main pillars driving the development of PLUS to become a Smart Highway of the Future,” he said. 

Azman said this move is also in line with other green initiatives implemented by PLUS including the use of green technology in its premises, using pavement which is recycled to pave roads in R&R areas, and using materials that are more environmentally friendly in the handling of its highway operations. 

“This MoU is also one of our measures to reduce the negative impact on the environment in our day-to-day operations,” he said. 

PLUS also welcomes this collaboration with TNB and described it as one of the company’s efforts in supporting ESG. 

The infrastructure network facility of the EV charging station is expected to not only attract new users of EVs, but also transport operators, particularly multi-national companies that want to switch from using engine vehicles internal combustion (Internal Combustion Engine) to electric-based vehicles. 

Since June 2021, TNB has been actively collaborating to promote widespread usage of electric vehicles in the country. 

Apart from PLUS, its strategic partners so far include DHL Express, Sime Darby Motors, BMW Group Malaysia, Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute, Socar Mobility Malaysia and Ipoh City Council.