ALOR GAJAH: Edra Melaka Power Plant’s (EMPP), which achieved its commercial operation date (COD) at midnight on Feb 28, 2022, will now add 2,242MW of electricity to the national grid.

       In a statement, it said the power plant would be the largest combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant in Southeast Asia.

       Built, owned and operated by Edra Power Holdings Sdn Bhd’s (Edra) wholly-owned subsidiary Edra Energy Sdn Bhd, the low-carbon CCGT power plant comprises three generating blocks and its final unit has successfully achieved its COD.

       Edra’s chairman Dai Honggang said the eagerly-awaited project will not just contribute significantly to the nation's energy needs, but will also add a wide range of spill-over economic benefits including attracting new investments as well as boosting industrial and commercial development in Melaka.

       “The timing is apt as the demand for electricity has shown improvement in tandem with the economic reopening to support the country’s transition into the Covid-19 endemic phase. And EMPP’s contribution to the country’s generation capacity will definitely complement the growth of the various economic sectors,” he said.

       Dai said the power plant will be generating approximately 19.6 billion kWh electricity annually, contributing about 12% of the total power demand in Peninsular Malaysia, equivalent to powering up to four million homes for the next 21 years.