Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology for gas-fired power plants.

This collaborative endeavour underscores both parties’ commitment to Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and aligns with the country’s ambition to attain net zero carbon emissions by 2050. NETR identifies Carbon Capture, Utilisation 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 initiatives.

The exchange of the MoU by President and Chief Executive Officer of TNB, Dato’ Seri Ir. Baharin Din and the President & Group Chief Executive Officer of PETRONAS, Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik took place in the presence of the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim; Minister of Economic Affairs, Rafizi Ramli; Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad; as well as the Chairman of TNB, Dato’ Abdul Razak Abdul Majid, and the Chairman of PETRONAS, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Mohd Bakke Salleh at the recently held TNB’s Energy Transition Conference 2023.

Baharin emphasised that the MoU strengthens TNB and PETRONAS’s commitment to NETR. CCS stands out as one of the key energy transition levers outlined in the NETR, and this MoU will enable TNB and PETRONAS to synergise their expertise and align their efforts in the realm of CCS technology for gas-fired power plants.

He stated, “TNB is fully committed to achieving Net Zero by 2050 and is actively pursuing various initiatives to drive decarbonisation in Malaysia. Among these efforts include the capturing and storing of carbon during power generation at gas-fired power plants. The MoU resonates with TNB’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) agenda signifying our unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability through the exploration of CCS technology and aligning with Malaysia’s NETR.”

Tengku Muhammad Taufik emphasised that the complexity of the energy transition is a systemic challenge that will take work and cooperation with other sectors to achieve the target for carbon neutrality.

He stated, “The MoU bears testimony to the shared conviction of both PETRONAS and TNB to deliver a pathway to responsibly provide energy security while supporting the low carbon aspirations set forth in the NETR.

With the combined experience and technical capabilities as owners of energy infrastructures, PETRONAS looks forward to accelerating the development and deployment of CCS technology as part of a decarbonised energy system. Together, we can tap the full potential of technologies at our disposal focused on the immediate need to reduce emissions. On our part, PETRONAS remains resolute to unlocking the solutions that will move the needle towards a more sustainable future – aligned to our net zero by 2050 target.”

As Malaysia transitions to a low-carbon economy, natural gas will play a pivotal role in the country’s energy landscape, offering a reliable and affordable transitional base load power source. Consequently, gas-fired power plants will enable greater integration of intermittent renewable energy sources, and the collaboration between TNB and PETRONAS on the implementation of CCS technology for the gas-fired power plants will help contribute towards the nation’s decarbonisation endeavours.