Malaysian utility company Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) has worked with state-owned oil and gas firm Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) to explore carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology for gas-fired power plants.
According to a statement on Nov. 6, the two firms have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The collaborative endeavor underscores both firms’ commitment to Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and aligns with its ambition to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (Centre) witnesses the exchange of MoU documents between TNB and Petronas. The ceremony was held at the exhibition halls of the Energy Transition Conference 2023 on 29 August 2023. (Photo: TNB)
It is noted that NETR identifies carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) as the 6th Energy Transition Lever and outlines a clear path to carbon neutrality, with the MoU translating these ambitions into actionable plans.
TNB CEO Baharin Din said that CCS stands out as one of the key energy transition levers outlined in the NETR, and this MoU will enable TNB and Petronas to synergize their expertise and align their efforts in the realm of CCS technology for gas-fired power plants.
“TNB is fully committed to achieving Net Zero by 2050 and is actively pursuing various initiatives to drive decarbonization in Malaysia. Among these efforts include the capturing and storing of carbon during power generation at gas-fired power plants,
“The MoU resonates with our environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda signifying our commitment to environmental sustainability through the exploration of CCS technology,” he said.
Petronas CEO Tengku Muhammad Taufik said that the complexity of the energy transition is a systemic challenge that will take work and collaboration with other sectors to achieve the goal for carbon neutrality.
“With the experience and technical capabilities as owners of energy infrastructures, we look forward to accelerating the development and deployment of CCS as part of a decarbonized energy system. Together, we can tap the full potential of technologies at our disposal focused on the immediate need to reduce emissions.,” he said.
As Malaysia transitions to a low-carbon economy, the statement noted that natural gas will play a key role in its energy landscape, offering a reliable and affordable transitional base load power source.
Consequently, it said gas-fired power plants will enable greater integration of intermittent renewable energy sources, and the cooperation between TNB and Petronas on the implementation of CCS for the gas-fired power plants would help contribute towards the nation’s decarbonization efforts.
CCS encompasses the process of capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial activities. (Photo: TNB)
TNB is a Malaysian utility company with an international presence in the U.K., Kuwait, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and India. Within the renewable energy space, as of December 2022, TNB has a total gross portfolio of 2,896MW in Malaysia.
Apart from being the Malaysia’s primary electricity generation enterprise, TNB also transmits and distributes all the electricity in the country. As of May 31, 2023, the firm supplies electricity to 10.7 million customers.
Petronas is a Malaysian energy group with presence in more than 100 countries. The group produces and delivers energy and solutions, and its portfolio includes cleaner conventional and renewable resources, as well as a variety of advanced products and adaptive solutions.
