TNBR continues to lead in new product innovation and driving the pre-commercialisation of engineering and technology solutions, with a strong focus on smart grid and utility energy services. Leveraging deep expertise in intelligent technologies, TNBR develops solutions that not only address current needs but also shape a more efficient, sustainable, and responsive energy future.
Beyond technology development, TNBR provides a comprehensive range of technical services and consultancy, covering smart grid management, renewable energy integration, and power system assessments. This approach reinforces TNBR’s position as a key enabler of advanced technological solutions in the energy sector, helping customers and stakeholders implement practical, scalable, and high-impact solutions.
Through these initiatives, TNBR reaffirms its commitment to being a strategic partner in the nation’s energy transition, supporting digital transformation, enhancing operational efficiency, and contributing to Malaysia’s Net Zero goals.
SMART ENERGY MANAGEMENT
At TNB Research, we develop intelligent solutions for the smart grid of the future, enabling both centralized and decentralized control of energy systems. Our Smart Energy Management & Automation System integrates conventional telecontrol, micro-grid management, substation automation, and smart metering to optimize efficiency and reliability.
Our research focuses on:
● Secured & Intelligent Substation Automation Systems – advanced automation for secure and efficient grid operations.
● Smart Energy Management Applications – tools for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing energy use.
● Communication Networks – reliable and secure networks for smart metering, SCADA, and grid communication.
We also advance renewable energy technologies, including:
● Solar Resource Assessment – mapping and characterization of solar potential.
● PV Performance & Reliability – evaluation, performance modeling, optimization, operations & maintenance, and system design for solar PV.
● Grid Integration of Renewables – studies, modeling, and coordinated control for renewable energy and virtual power plants.
● Floating Solar Energy Systems – site identification, assessment, and deployment feasibility.
Through these initiatives, TNBR supports Malaysia’s energy transition, delivering practical, reliable, and future-ready solutions for a sustainable and low-carbon energy ecosystem.
Future Grid Research drives innovation in Malaysia’s power system through advanced solutions in renewable energy integration, grid modernisation, energy storage, and resilience. The research spans three key programmes — Flexi-Grid, Sustainability Solutions, and Data Analytics, IoT & Digitalisation — each designed to future-proof the national grid.
Through cutting-edge work in power system modelling, digital substations, smart communication networks, and data-driven decision-making, the team develops technologies that strengthen grid flexibility, reliability, and cybersecurity. These initiatives position TNBR at the forefront of enabling a smarter, cleaner, and more resilient energy ecosystem for the nation’s energy transition.
SPS-DT
The SPS Digital Twin serves as an advanced platform for testing and verification of both current and future Special Protection Systems (SPS).
Developed to address existing limitations in traditional testing setups—particularly those related to the number of Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) that can be interfaced or virtually modelled due to I/O and CPU constraints—the SPS Digital Twin provides a flexible and scalable simulation environment.
This virtual platform allows engineers to conduct comprehensive testing and simulation of SPS operations, assess various system scenarios, and analyse the impact of configuration changes. Through these capabilities, the Digital Twin enables fine-tuning of SPS parameters for enhanced reliability and optimal performance.
By offering a holistic view of the SPS and its interaction with other power system components, the Digital Twin empowers engineers to anticipate potential issues, predict system behaviour, and support data-driven decision-making for grid resilience and stability.
The Smart Utility Management (SUM) Research Centre drives innovation and reliability across Malaysia’s power network. Bringing together expertise in transformers, switchgears, cable systems, overhead lines, metering & non-technical loss, asset optimization, earthing design and lightning protection, the centre focuses on ensuring efficient, safe and future-ready grid operations.
Through advanced diagnostics, digital condition monitoring, and predictive maintenance, our teams help extend asset life and minimise downtime. We also provide specialised R&D, consultancy, and technical services that strengthen grid resilience and support Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) toward a smarter, more sustainable energy future.
Online Partial Discharge (PD) Mapping & Monitoring System for MV Underground Cable
This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an online Partial Discharge (PD) mapping and monitoring system for medium-voltage underground cables. It also focuses on developing the system’s functional specifications, a severity index model for PD measurement, and installation guidelines for implementation within TNB Distribution Network.
This initiative supports the National Energy Transition Roadmap by enhancing smart grid performance through advanced analytics and online condition monitoring of MV underground cables. It promotes data-driven operations, predictive maintenance, and reduced planned shutdowns—improving reliability, minimizing failures, and optimizing operational expenditure in line with the Incentive-Based Regulation framework.