Sarawak Energy Berhad’s (SEB) Balingian coal-fired power plant will be the first coal-fired plant in Malaysia to use circulating fluidised bed (CFB) boilers. It is one of the latest clean coal technologies globally. CFB boilers maximise coal utilisation as compared to the conventional pulverised coal method. Further, the CFB technology comes with the ability to handle a wide range of coal designs and is also more environment friendly. The sulphur content of Balingian coal is already lower compared to international coal reference, so the use of this technology will further reduce sulphur emissions to far below requirements in the region.
SEB had entered into a contract worth RM 1.5 billion with Shanghai Electric Group Company Limited to construct the 600 MW plant. The plant’s construction will commence soon and is expected to be completed by 2018, with the first power expected to be generated by the end of 2017. About 45 per cent of the project would be undertaken by local contractors. The earthworks and the upgrading of the access road began in May 2014. Deployment of the new CFB technology will improve the environment footprint of the plant significantly. Further, the new plant would enhance the state grid system and meet the demands of Sarawak Corridor of Renewal Energy cutsomers.
Located in Balingian, Mukah, the project consists of nine work packages – the construction of the main power plant, plant site earthworks, upgrading of the access road, administration and ancillary buildings, operator’s village, the 33 kV supply, 275 kV extra high voltage substation, 275 kV transmission lines, and ash pond.
