KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 (Bernama) -- Tenaga Nasional Bhd’s (TNB) flagship conference, the Energy Transition Conference 2026 (ETCon26), opened today with strong momentum, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, investors and technology players to accelerate Malaysia’s energy transition agenda amid the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructure demand.
Held from June 3 to 5, 2026, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, the second edition of ETCon26 was officially opened by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
In his special address, he described ETCon26 as a timely and strategic regional platform to strengthen collaboration, drive implementation and advance practical solutions for the energy transition agenda across Malaysia and ASEAN.
“I wish to commend TNB on the successful convening of the second edition of ETCon26 and for shaping it into a credible platform, bringing together leading minds from across the world. The conference deeply reflects Malaysia’s commitment to accelerating the energy transition, moving with certainty as we do, from ambition to execution,” he added.
Landmark Agreements Signal Implementation Momentum
The opening day of ETCon26 featured the exchange of several landmark agreements and recognitions witnessed by the Deputy Prime Minister, signalling strong momentum in the advancement of the energy transition agenda.
Among the key highlights was the presentation of a Malaysia Book of Records recognition for TNB’s recently launched Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Santong project in Terengganu, which was acknowledged as Malaysia’s “First Grid-Forming Grid Connected BESS Project”, supporting grid stability.
The 100-megawatt (MW)/400-megawatt-hour (MWh) facility was commissioned ahead of schedule on April 16, 2026, marking a significant landmark in Malaysia’s grid modernisation efforts and reinforcing the country’s ability to deploy large-scale battery storage projects at commercial scale.
The project is capable of supporting electricity demand for approximately 40,000 households.
Another key milestone was the exchange of the shareholders agreement and engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning contract involving TNB Power Generation Sdn Bhd, Terengganu Incorporated Sdn Bhd, Cypark Renewable Energy Sdn Bhd and Fabulous Sunview Sdn Bhd for the hybrid hydro floating solar project in Kenyir, Terengganu.
The project combines 785 megawatt-peak (MWp) of floating solar generation capacity with a 1,190 MWh BESS, the largest in Southeast Asia, thus reinforcing Malaysia’s ambitions to scale integrated renewable energy solutions and strengthen long-term energy security.
The Deputy Prime Minister also witnessed the exchange of joint venture head of terms between TNB Renewables Sdn Bhd and SME Consortium for the development of a ground mounted solar project with 750 MWp capacity and a 1,000 MWh BESS.
High-Level Dialogues and Discussions Address ASEAN’s Energy Future
The first day of ETCon26 featured a robust line-up of plenaries and dialogues, bringing together policymakers, utility leaders, technology players, investors and energy experts from across ASEAN and the international community.
Among the key sessions was “Beyond the Trilemma: Managing Complexity in the Age of Electrification”, which explored practical strategies to ensure reliable and affordable energy supply while advancing decarbonisation.
Another notable session, “ASEAN's Net Zero Pathway: Can ASEAN Decarbonise without Nuclear Power?”, examined the role of nuclear energy alongside renewables and other low-carbon alternatives in shaping a secure, affordable and sustainable regional energy future.
Other discussions throughout the day focused on AI-driven energy systems, future-ready grids, climate adaptation, digitalisation, workforce transformation and ASEAN energy connectivity.
Collectively, these discussions reflected the growing urgency for stronger regional collaboration and practical solutions as countries navigate the increasingly complex intersection of energy security, decarbonisation, digitalisation and economic growth in the AI era.
Looking Ahead
The strong participation and wide-ranging discussions today reinforced ETCon26’s role as a strategic regional platform for advancing practical solutions, partnerships and policy alignment in the energy transition journey.
Day two of ETCon26 is expected to further deepen the discourse on the convergence of energy, AI and economic growth, with a focus on investment, regional connectivity and translating energy transition ambitions into actionable outcomes.
“The conversations at ETCon26 clearly indicate an urgency for all involved stakeholders to collaborate in unison towards achieving the energy transition agenda.
“TNB will continue to play a key enabling role in supporting Malaysia’s and ASEAN’s long-term sustainability and economic aspirations through multifaceted efforts including grid modernisation, clean and renewable energy integration, as well as through strategic partnerships,” said TNB president/chief executive officer Datuk Ir Ts Shamsul Ahmad.
-- BERNAMA
