Aiming to be more sustainnable in its energy production, Tenaga Nasioanal Berhad had embarked on a massive hydroelectic dam project in Kelantan, namely the Nenggiri Gua Musang Dam. The dam is expected to operate in 2026 and will bring a multitude of benefits to the residents in the State and among them will be how the project helps mitigate flood, a perenial problem in Kelantan. According to CEO Datuk Ir. Baharin Din “Like other dams owned by TNB such as the Ulu Jelai Cameron Highlands Hydroelectric Scheme, Sungai Perak and Kenyir, the Nenggiri dam will provide flood mitigation benefits with the ability to accommodate large amounts of rainwater during the monsoon season. Water stagnant in the main reservoir lake will be released back in a controlled manner into the Nenggiri River and this can help control flooding downstream of this dam. This is just one aspect, the dam will also be able to help the Kelantan State Government overcome the issue of clean water supply and irrigation for agriculture, and create employment opportunities during its construction and create new economic opportunities in its main reservoir lake. As evidenced in two prior dams in Tasik Banding in Perak and Tasik Kenyir in Terengganu, which has generated economically, especially from the tourism, recreation, agriculture, small business and infrastructure development sectors, the RM5 billion Nenggiri hydroelectric dam project will deliver all these benefits on top of generating 300 megawatts (MW) to the National Grid when completed. Ir. Baharin added that the Nenggiri hydroelectric dam will increase TNB's renewable energy (RE) generation capacity, in line with being the main driver of the country's energy industry transition. When completed, it will strengthen TNB's efforts to ensure a stable and reliable electricity supply for the people and the country. TNB has a goal to reduce dependancy on coal energy and has set a zero net emission target by 2050, this will be achieved by reducing its coal generation capacity by 2035. The utility giant's current electricity generation capacity in the Peninsula comprises 18.0 per cent hydroelectricity (2,536 Megawatts (MW)), 0.6 per cent solar (80 MW), 48.2 per cent coal (6,800 MW) and 33.3 per cent gas (4,702.43 MW). The Nenggiri dam project has passed all the necesseary environment guidelines and has obtained all the required approvals such as Mineral Potential Study, Public Acceptance Study, Environmental Impact Study (EIA), Social Impact Study, Heritage Impact Study, and so on. The Orang Asli community who are directly involved with this project, especially from Pos Pulat, Pos Tohoi and Kg. Wias will be relocated to new settlements with better and more comfortable infrastructure and basic necessities. They will also be given an economic stimulus package to improve their socio-economy in collaboration with the Kelantan State Government, Land and Colony Office, Orang Asli Development Department (JAKOA) and other government departments.
