Thailand's B.Grimm Company contemplates expanding its real estate investments in Malaysia, aiming at an additional RM4 billion investment.
B. Grimm Expands Renewable Energy Presence in Malaysia
B. Grimm, a leading player in the combined cycle gas business, is set to increase its footprint in Malaysia's renewable energy sector with plans to invest over $1 billion (approximately RM4.26 billion) over the next few years [1][2][4].
The German conglomerate, which already has an investment of around RM200 million in Malaysia's renewable energy sector, aims to strengthen its presence through new and expanded projects [1][2]. The expansion includes a significant focus on solar power, leveraging B. Grimm's expertise in solar power plants, industrial power, renewable energy, and as an independent power producer (IPP) [1][2][3].
One of the key projects is a large-scale solar plant in Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah, with a capacity of approximately 418 MegaWatt-peak (MWp), pending licensing approval [1]. The company also plans to expand its solar power portfolio via ownership and development of solar power projects in Kuala Muda (Kedah), Machang (Kelantan), Arau (Perlis), Gebeng, and Pekan (Pahang), with existing projects totaling around 90 MW under 21-year power purchase agreements with Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) [1].
B. Grimm's expansion is supported by strategic acquisitions, such as the 45% stake in reNIKOLA Holdings Sdn Bhd, acquired in 2021 for RM367 million through its subsidiary B. Grimm Power Malaysia Sdn Bhd [1][2]. reNIKOLA owns several solar power assets and plans to develop a large-scale solar plant in Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah, with a capacity of 418 MWp upon completion (pending the issuance of a license).
In addition, B. Grimm is exploring opportunities for gas-fired power projects in Malaysia and has expressed interest in the possibility of extracting power from wind energy, despite Malaysia's geographic and climate factors [1]. The company has also demonstrated its commitment to reducing mechanical issues and the risk of breakdowns by investing in a company in Germany that eliminates the need for a gearbox in wind turbines.
B. Grimm's chairman and CEO, Harald Link, announced the expansion, emphasising the company's role in enhancing Malaysia’s energy transition [1][2][3]. The expansion aligns with Malaysia’s push for upgraded interconnection grids and greater ASEAN energy integration [3].
B. Grimm is active in three countries: Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The company's offshore wind plant in South Korea, where the generator, blades, and gearbox are located at the top of the wind turbines, is a testament to its global reach and commitment to renewable energy [1]. Each wind turbine in the plant stands between 100 and 150m tall.
In Malaysia, B. Grimm supplies solar power from rooftops and batteries, and the complexity of an IPP project remains the same, regardless of the size of the plant, according to Harald Link [1]. The company's generator, blades, and gearbox are located at the top of the wind turbines in B. Grimm's offshore wind plant in South Korea.
References: [1] The Edge Markets. (2021, November 10). B. Grimm Power to invest RM4.26b in Malaysia's renewable energy sector over next few years. Retrieved March 25, 2022, from https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/b-grimm-power-invest-rm426b-malaysias-renewable-energy-sector-over-next-few-years
[2] The Star. (2021, November 10). B. Grimm Power to invest RM4.26 billion in Malaysia's renewable energy sector. Retrieved March 25, 2022, from https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2021/11/10/b-grimm-power-to-invest-rm426-billion-in-malaysias-renewable-energy-sector
[3] New Straits Times. (2021, November 10). B. Grimm Power to invest RM4.26b in Malaysia's renewable energy sector. Retrieved March 25, 2022, from https://www.nst.com.my/business/2021/11/784480/b-grimm-power-invest-rm426b-malaysias-renewable-energy-sector
[4] Bernama. (2021, November 10). B. Grimm Power to invest RM4.26 billion in Malaysia's renewable energy sector. Retrieved March 25, 2022, from https://www.bernama.com/en/business/news.php?id=1997339
- B. Grimm, with existing investments in Malaysia's renewable energy sector and plans to invest over $1 billion more, seeks to not only strengthen its presence but also expand its business in Malaysia's finance, energy, and industrial sectors.
- To solidify its role in Malaysia's renewable energy industry, B. Grimm aims to develop large-scale solar plants and explore opportunities in gas-fired power projects, aligning with Malaysia's push for energy transition and greater ASEAN energy integration.
