RM5 billion hydro power project gets under way in Kelantan

 

Kelantan menteri besar Ahmad Yakob (centre) with energy and natural resources minister Takiyuddin Hassan at the launch of the RM5 billion Nenggiri hydroelectric dam project today in Gua Musang, Kelantan. (Bernama pic)

GUA MUSANG (Kelantan): A RM5 billion hydroelectric dam project at Nenggiri has got under way today with a groundbreaking at the site.

The dam, expected to be operational in five years, will boost renewable energy electricity capacity in Peninsular Malaysia, said energy and natural resources minister Takiyuddin Hassan today, Bernama reported.

He said the federal government approved the project in principle in 2012 and it received the Kelantan state government approval in 2014.

The dam will generate 300 megawatts of electricity, and can help ensure the stability and reliability of power supply to the national grid, he said.

The project is also expected to help minimise the impact of big flood, while overcoming problems of clean water supply and irrigation.

“It will open employment opportunities during construction and numerous other potential activities when it is completed later,” he said.

The project was launched by Kelantan menteri besar Ahmad Yakob today.

Takiyuddin said national energy company Tenaga Nasional, the state government, and related departments and agencies, will carry out the resettlement of Orang Asli residents in several settlements affected by the project.

The resettlement will be based on legal requirements and the agreement of Orang Asli residents involved, he said.

He said the federal government was committed to reducing dependence on the use of coal for electricity generation, with a target of 40% renewable energy capacity by 2035. - FMT