KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia will place greater emphasis on research and development (R&D) in energy storage technology to reduce its dependence on imported batteries, Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof said on Monday.
This will facilitate stronger capacity building in the production and development of energy-related technologies, Fadillah, who is also the minister of energy transition and water transformation, told reporters on the sidelines of a ceremony marking the launch of an energy storage system developed by Malaysian utility firm Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB).
"Rather than merely importing batteries, we should begin focusing on research and development, and build our own internal capabilities in battery manufacturing and other technologies closely related to the country's energy supply," he said.
"I hope this first launch will serve as a starting point for TNB to continue expanding its efforts, particularly in strengthening cooperation with overseas suppliers," he said.
Fadillah added that geopolitical tensions have highlighted the need for Malaysia to reduce its reliance on foreign countries and strengthen national self-sufficiency across the entire energy sector value chain.
"This includes energy supply and related technologies, including battery storage systems, so that one day we will be able to produce our own batteries," he said. ■