TENAGA Nasional Bhd (TNB) has completed the groundbreaking ceremony for its RM5 billion green energy generation Nenggiri Hydroelectric Project in Gua Musang, Kelantan recently.

The project aims to preserve the environment while maintaining stable electric supply for the people and the country and will reduce 355,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels.

This will help the government in achieving 31% of renewable energy (RE) capacity in the country’s electricity supply by 2025 and 40% by 2035.

This also reflects TNB’s 2050 Sustainability Roadmap (TNB Sustainability Pathway 2050) with a net, parallel zero carbon emission target and its commitment to the environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda.

According to Energy and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, this project will increase Peninsular Malaysia’s RE generation capacity which is in line with the company’s role in driving the transition of the country’s energy industry.

“It is a trust borne by TNB for the benefit of the people and the country, which demands the role and commitment of TNB, especially in preserving the environment,” he said.

The agreement was signed between the Kelantan state government and TNB’s wholly-owned subsidiary TNB Power Generation Sdn Bhd (TNB Genco) on Aug 17, 2021 while TNB Genco’s wholly-owned subsidiary TNBPG Hydro Nenggiri Sdn Bhd completed the project on March 1, 2022.

The Nenggiri hydroelectric project is also in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030 which aims to protect the earth and eradicate poverty, as well as keeping the balance between the economy, society and the environment.

This is also shown in the Orang Asli community resettlement at the project site where facilities such as clean water supply, electricity, sewage treatment system, driveways, clinics, multipurpose halls, schools, shop houses, and sports and recreation facilities have been provided.

It also creates job opportunities and local businesses in different fields like construction, food and retail, as well as new industries such as eco-tourism and aquaculture, further increasing the socioeconomic status and life of the local community.

Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob said this project also contains a 53.84 sq km main reservoirs and a 0.97 sq km flow-regulator pool which mitigates the effects of floods in the state.

“The two neighbouring states of Kelantan on the East Coast already have hydroelectric schemes which help relieve flood pressure during the monsoon season. This time, it is Kelantan’s turn to utilise the dam infrastructure for that purpose.

“I also understand that through the dam water level control method, the impact of floods can be reduced,” he said.

During the monsoon season, the main reservoir will decrease the water level to provide plenty of storage space for the rainwater which will also be beneficial in providing water supply and irrigation improvements for agriculture.

TNB has also obtained approvals for this project from the Mineral Potential Study; Public and Social Acceptance Studies; Environmental Impact Assessment; Social Impact Study; and Heritage Impact Assessment, among others. — by AZALEA AZUAR / pic by TMR