Malaysia’s Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) has launched the MYR500 million electricity supply strengthening project in Penang.
The project will be able to supply up to 2,000 MW of electricity from the national grid to Penang through overhead line transmission from the mainland to maintain the island’s electricity supply. The 8.5-km monopole transmission tower project connecting the Perai Stesen Janakuasa (power station) Pencawang Masuk Utama (PMU) (main inlet substation) to the Light PMU in Penang would be built in parallel with the Penang Bridge, and is the second of its kind in Malaysia after Melaka. This project will comprise 31 monopoles, of which six will be in the betel nut design, a unique design of the transmission line tower that resembles a betel nut which is a direct reference to the origin of Penang’s name (Buah Pinang or Pinang fruit). The firm capacity on Penang Island will reduce from 1,130 MW to 800 MW when the Gelugor Power Station, which is the only power station on the island, will end its service contract at the end of 2024. Meanwhile the power demand will increase and therefore the new transmission line project will be crucial. The physical works, including construction of the tower foundation, installation of tower structure and conductor spanning works, will begin by the end of 2022. The entire project is expected to complete by 2024.