TNB and SGCC ink MOU to strengthen technology cooperation for modern power system in Malaysia

Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), Malaysia’s leading electricity utility company, today formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC), the world’s largest public utility company, represented by its wholly-owned subsidiary China Electric Power Equipment and Technology Co., Ltd. (CET).

This collaboration aims to strengthen technology cooperation in power grid and distribution network advancement, supporting Malaysia’s grid modernisation and contributing to the broader ASEAN vision for enhanced regional power interconnection.

The collaboration focuses on three core areas: Power System Planning & Integration, Smart & Resilient Networks, and Digital & Artificial Intelligence (AI) Solutions, aiming to leverage SGCC and CET’s expertise in energy transition and new-type power systems to enhance operation and management of TNB’s power grid system and distribution network. SGCC has an extensive record of excellence in the energy industry, serving more than 1.1 billion customers and maintaining a strong international presence in over 40 countries through CET as its global business arm.

The signing ceremony was held in Shah Alam, Selangor, attended by key representatives from both parties. The MoU was signed by TNB President/Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Ir. Megat Jalaluddin Megat Hassan, and CET Chairman, Yu Jun. Witnessing the signing ceremony was Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof.

Under the MoU, TNB and SGCC_CET will establish a joint working committee to oversee collaboration progress between the two parties. Key activities include capacity building sessions, technical study reports, and conceptual design support for pilot projects – such as DC medium/low voltage distribution network architecture and agentic AI frameworks for grid operation. TNB will provide necessary technical information to support the collaboration, while CET will share advanced technologies, standards, and project experience from SGCC’s global operations.

Megat Jalaluddin emphasized TNB’s commitment to advancing Malaysia’s energy sector through strategic partnerships, stating that: “As Malaysia’s primary electricity provider, TNB is dedicated to building a more efficient, resilient, and low-carbon power system. This MoU with SGCC, through its wholly-owned subsidiary CET, enable us to leverage global best practices in power system planning, smart grid technology, and digital solutions, which are essential for integrating shares of renewable energy and strengthening our role in the ASEAN Power Grid (APG). The partnership also highlights TNB’s commitment to supporting Malaysia’s sustainable future through AI, particularly through our Smart Grid initiatives. We look forward to deepening this collaboration to support our nation’s energy transition goals.”

Yu Jun highlighted CET’s expertise in international power projects and its alignment with Malaysia’s needs. “CET, as SGCC’s global platform for power project investment, construction, and operation, has completed projects in over 40 countries. We are proud to partner with TNB, a leader in Asia’s power industry, to share SGCC’s experience in ultra-high voltage (UHV) transmission, smart grid resilience, and AI-driven grid management. This collaboration not only strengthens China-Malaysia bilateral ties but also contributes to the broader vision of ASEAN energy security and sustainability.”

The MoU marks a key milestone in China-Malaysia energy cooperation, aligning with Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap and APG vision of regional energy connectivity.