Research Institute

Institute of Power Engineering (IPE)

INSTITUTE OF POWER ENGINEERING (IPE)

Overview

Established in 2005, the Institute of Power Engineering (IPE) is the flagship research institute of Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), specializing in advanced power and energy systems. IPE focuses on power systems and grid modernization, energy efficiency and sustainability, high voltage engineering, distributed energy resources, future mobility and smart energy innovations. Our activities span R&D, industrial consultancy, technical standards and masterplan development and capacity building, serving utilities, government agencies, and global partners. 

Vision

A globally known research institute in development and advancement of sustainable infrastructure in the energy sector.

Mission

To discover, develop, and deliver innovative solutions in order to provide a better sustainable infrastructure in energy sector.

Our Research

The Institute of Energy Infrastructure (IEI) is a Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE) focused on the resilience, sustainability, and safety of civil infrastructure within the energy sector. Unlike other institutes that focus on power generation (electrical), IEI specializes in the "physical" and "environmental" assets such as dams, transmission towers, and power station foundations ensuring they withstand natural disasters and climate change.

Research Areas

  • Geospatial Intelligence:

    • Utilization of Remote Sensing (RS) and GIS for infrastructure asset management.

    • Visual spatial intelligence and satellite monitoring of transmission corridors (e.g., CB-TNB satellite projects).

  • Energy Water Security:

    • Dam Safety & Sustainability: Reservoir sedimentation analysis, dam break analysis, and hydrodynamic modelling.

    • Flood Resilience: Flood forecasting and mitigation technologies for hydropower plants.

    • Sustainable water resource management.

  • Sustainable Built Environment:

    • Green energy management and ecological restoration.

    • Innovative construction engineering and materials for energy assets.

    • Environmental pollution management.

  • Disaster Risk Reduction:

    • Geohazard assessment (landslides, slope failures) affecting power stations.

    • Emergency preparedness and community-based disaster management.

    • Risk assessment for "disaster blackouts" and infrastructure sabotage.

  • Geotechnical & Geological Labs: Facilities for rock engineering, soil mechanics testing, and slope stability analysis.

  • Computational Modelling Lab: High-performance servers equipped for hydrodynamic simulations, flood forecasting, and dam safety modelling.

  • Forensic Engineering & Site Investigation: Investigation of slope failures, landslides, and structural integrity issues at power plants.

  • Dam Safety Consultancy: Comprehensive dam safety reviews, surveillance, and emergency response plan (ERP) development.