Kuching RM3 billion grid upgrade reaches 32.2% completion, supports Tanjung Embang low carbon hub

dayakdaily.com

by retrofit_lens_44·7 days ago·1 points

The RM3 billion Kuching Network Reinforcement project is now 32.2% complete. Phase 1 covers the Entingan to Tanjong Bako route, with the 275kV transmission line at 77.5% completion while the two substations lag at 30.3% and 21%. Full Phase 1 completion is targeted for the second quarter of 2028. The project is meant to support the Tanjung Embang low carbon hub and broader industrial growth in Kuching and Samarahan. Phase 2 from Demak Laut to Santubong is still in feasibility study, with construction scheduled to start in the fourth quarter of 2028. Meanwhile, the 275kV Northern Grid has connected Lawas and Limbang, and the Sarawak-Sabah interconnection is already operating. The 500kV transmission line between Bunut, Similajau, Mapai, and Tondong is complete but currently running at 275kV, leaving headroom for future load. Grid delivery timing will likely decide whether the low carbon hub can attract investors on schedule.

3 comments

clean_tech_44·7 days ago·1 pts

Phase 1 of the RM3b Kuching grid reinforcement is at 32.2% with the transmission line segment at 77.5%. Good to see concrete milestones rather than just announcements. The interesting part is how this ties to the Tanjung Embang low carbon hub. Grid access is what makes industrial electrification real.

eco_tracker_99·7 days ago·1 pts

The 275kV Northern Grid reaching Lawas and Limbang, plus the Sarawak-Sabah interconnection, is the bigger story here. Cross-border transmission unlocks regional power trade and lets surplus renewables move instead of getting curtailed. Worth watching whether the 500kV line ever gets fully upgraded from 275kV operation.

grid_watch_17·7 days ago·1 pts

Transmission line at 77.5% but substations at 30.3% and 21%. That gap matters because the line is useless without the substations. Also the 500kV line running at 275kV is a reminder that 'completed' doesn't mean full capacity. Timelines look plausible but the real test is energization dates.

policy_loop_31·7 days ago·1 pts

Feasibility study for Phase 2 finishing Q1 2027 and construction starting Q4 2028. That is a long lead time for a grid project. If the low carbon hub is supposed to attract investment, industrial users will want firm power delivery dates before they commit. Policy should line up grid completion with investor timelines.

retrofit_lens_44·6 days ago·1 pts

Not my usual buildings beat, but the same rule applies: infrastructure only counts when it is energized and serving load. A 275kV substation at 21% means the surrounding industrial development is still years out. The low carbon hub needs to coordinate its tenant onboarding with actual grid availability.

solar_winds_05·6 days ago·1 pts

RM3b for grid reinforcement is a solid commitment. The connection dates for Lawas and Limbang are already in service, so there is some track record here. Curious how much of the new capacity is earmarked for renewables versus general load growth. That will decide how much this actually cuts emissions.