Melaka Taking Concrete Steps To Strengthen Energy Sector, Promote Sustainable Power Generation – Ab Rauf
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ab Rauf Yusoh gave his commitment that the state is taking concrete steps to further strengthen its energy sector by diversifying energy sources and promoting more sustainable power generation.
As more high-tech industries and data centres establish a presence in the state, Ab Rauf, also the Melaka Barisan Nasional chairman, said electricity demand will continue to rise and that a reliable energy supply is crucial for the state.
He said this is particularly relevant to ensure the energy infrastructure keeps pace with the state as it enters the next phase of its industrial growth.
Melaka must look to the future, which is why it was important to plan ahead to meet the energy needs of tomorrow’s industries, he said at the CGNEI Gas Turbine Power Committee 2026 Work Conference at EMPP in Melaka today, officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
The conference was attended by 120 industry leaders, engineers and technology partners from five countries.
To meet growing energy demand, he said Melaka Corporation (MCorp) and Edra Power Holdings are collaborating to develop an integrated data centre ecosystem, aiming to scale up power capacity to two gigawatts.
He also cited how the 2,242-megawatt Edra Melaka Power Plant (EMPP) makes a significant contribution to Malaysia’s electricity supply while demonstrating Melaka’s advanced energy capabilities.
Being one of Southeast Asia’s largest combined-cycle gas turbine power plants, he said EMPP plays a vital role not only in fostering energy security but in powering the state’s industrial future.
He said the collaboration between MCorp and Edra Power Holdings also involves exploring the potential development of a floating storage and regasification unit in Tanjung Bidara to strengthen gas supply infrastructure and support future power generation.
Edra has also recently announced a proposed investment of RM6 billion with the potential to create more than 3,000 job opportunities.
For Melaka, the chief minister said that this represents another promising opportunity to strengthen its energy sector, support high-value industries and generate meaningful economic benefits for the people.
Elaborating on promoting more sustainable power generation, Ab Rauf said the solar farms in Ayer Keroh, Rembia, Bemban and Masjid Tanah have an estimated combined annual electricity generation potential of approximately 102 gigawatt-hours.
Building on this progress, he said Melaka is developing its first hybrid solar project, with a planned capacity of 90 megawatts, targeted for completion by the end of 2027.
“We are also advancing the Sungai Udang Waste-to-Energy Project, which is expected to generate 22 megawatts of electricity when it becomes operational in 2029,” he said.
Together, Ab Rauf said these initiatives complement the vital role of gas-fired power generation in ensuring a reliable electricity supply.
“Our goal is to support industrial growth through an energy system that is both reliable and sustainable,” he said.
To invest in energy infrastructure and advanced technologies, he said it was imperative to invest in the people who will shape the future of the energy industry.
To this end, the chief minister called on CGN Energy International, Edra and its industry partners to continue creating more opportunities for skilled local talent, particularly young people in Melaka, through specialised training, industrial placements and meaningful career pathways.
-- BERNAMA