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TNB, Gamuda Land to deliver M’sia’s first solar-powered electron stations

By The Edge

Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) has entered into a strategic partnership with Gamuda Land — the property arm of Gamuda Bhd — to build two electron stations for electric vehicle (EV) charging in property development projects in Selangor.

According to a statement, the two companies on Thursday (Oct 27) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop the stations at Gamuda Cove in the southern Klang Valley and Gamuda Gardens in the northern Klang Valley for communities in the projects and visitors to the water theme park at Gamuda Cove.

The stations, slated to serve motorists by 2025, will accelerate the development of the ecosystem and infrastructure of EVs in the country, thus supporting the sustainability vision of both companies, according to the statement. The electron stations will be powered by rooftop solar panels that help offset electricity from the grid, and support a greener environment. The electric charging stations will be compatible with all vehicle makes, ranging from hybrids to plug-in hybrids and fully EVs, and include both AC and DC fast chargers.

Under the MOU, both companies will also be working on the exploration of other sustainable energy initiatives under TNB’s offerings in townships of Gamuda Land.

An artist's illustration of Malaysia's first solar-powered electron stations.

TNB chief strategy and ventures officer Datuk Megat Jalaluddin Megat Hassan believes the MOU will pave the way for the power company and Gamuda Land to collaborate towards increasing the usage of EVs in Malaysia, and achieve the country's net zero emissions aspiration by 2050. At the same time, the stations will allow both companies to enhance their ongoing efforts to achieve their environment, social and governance (ESG) targets while ensuring continued business growth. “Supporting EV proliferation is part of TNB’s energy transition pillars. It is indeed the right step forward in realising the aspiration to provide a sustainable master plan, featuring climate-responsive design, integrated transport and super-low-energy buildings with smart features,” he said.

Meanwhile, Gamuda Land chief operating officer Chu Wai Lune highlighted that urban transportation contributes about 23% of carbon emissions. “So naturally, ensuring that our developments are equipped with facilities to support sustainable mode of urban transportation is one of our key focuses in our master plan design, in the pursuit of developing smart and sustainable townships. "The electron stations will complement our carbon-reduction efforts, such as having dedicated tree-lined pathways for cycling and walking, and having e-trams in our townships as an alternative mode of transportation for our communities,” he said.

At the time of writing on Thursday, shares in TNB traded lower by 0.48% at RM8.32, giving the utility giant a market capitalisation of RM47.92 billion. Shares in Gamuda, meanwhile, traded 1.56% higher at RM3.91 each, with a market value of RM10.13 billion.