Once treated mainly as the engine of the electric-vehicle boom, batteries are becoming infrastructure for power grids, renewable energy and data centres. Southeast Asia must now decide whether it will merely buy that technology, or build part of the industry around it.

The most important battery in Malaysia may no longer be sitting beneath an electric car.

In Santong, Terengganu, Tenaga Nasional Berhad’s 100-megawatt, 400-megawatt-hour facility became Malaysia’s first grid-connected battery energy storage system in 2026. Its purpose is not transport. It stores electricity and releases it when the power system needs support.

That marks a larger shift. The battery has left the car and entered the electricity network.

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Author

Katherine (Kay)
Kay like to explores the intersection of money, power, and the curious humans behind them. With a flair for storytelling and a soft spot for market drama, she brings a fresh and sharp voice to Southeast Asia’s business scene.
Her work blends analysis with narrative, turning headlines into human stories that cut through the noise. Whether unpacking boardroom maneuvers, policy shifts, or the personalities shaping regional markets, Kay offers readers a perspective that is both insightful and relatable — always with a touch of wit.