Kuala lumpur: Begrim Power has announced its strategic initiative aimed at addressing Malaysia's electricity crisis while also supporting Thailand's increasing demand for data centers, which require over 3,000 megawatts of power. The company's plan includes extending contracts for Small Power Producer (SPP) power plants to bolster the industrial sectors and urging the government to implement Direct Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) along with a new Power Development Plan (PDP).
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nopadej Karnasuta, CEO of B.Grimm Power Public Company Limited (BGRIM), highlighted that Malaysia is grappling with a severe electricity shortage amid a robust economic growth rate of 6-7% per year and a burgeoning demand from data centers. To address this, BGRIM has collaborated with GE Vernova to acquire gas turbine technology to enhance power system stability, and it is exploring investments in large-scale Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in Malaysia to ensure long-term growth.
In Thailand, the data center sector's electricity consumption demands exceed 2,000-3,000 megawatts. BGRIM is poised to meet this demand with its existing infrastructure, which includes smart grid systems and natural gas combined cycle power plants in 11 industrial estates, serving over 250 industrial customers. The company is also advancing clean energy initiatives, such as rooftop solar, floating solar, and solar farms.
To support data center clients, BGRIM has optimized its existing energy resources to handle customer load and has allocated surplus capacity to cater to data centers initially. It is also expanding clean energy and electrical systems within industrial estates. In Malaysia, BGRIM is studying the development of a large-scale IPP to mitigate power shortages and address data center demand, employing Digital Twins technology for operational efficiency and cost management amid fluctuating LNG prices.
BGRIM has proposed extending contracts for high-efficiency SPP power plants to the government to ensure an uninterrupted electricity supply to the industrial sector. The proposals advocate for electricity trading through Direct PPAs and Third Party Access (TPA), as well as expediting the liberalization of the natural gas market and LNG imports to foster competitive energy costs.
Emphasizing Direct PPA's role as a vital investment attraction used globally, BGRIM urged Thailand to adopt it swiftly. The company also supports Thailand's draft Power Development Plan (PDP), particularly Approach 4, which prioritizes energy security, fair pricing, and environmental protection, ultimately aiming to position Thailand as a regional Digital and AI Hub.