KUCHING: Sarawak is taking bold steps towards transforming and digitalising its power plants and water supply system.
A central hub will be established to link all power stations and apply sophisticated analytical tools for remote monitoring and diagnostics to realise the vision of a digital power plant, said Sarawak Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi.
He said the transformation and digitalisation of power plants required employing cutting-edge technologies as well as smart grid solutions.
“It will empower power plants to achieve optimal performance, ensuring heightened reliability, flexibility, efficiency, productivity and profitability.
“We are dedicated to the modernisation of the grid and smart power grid that priortises safety, security and reliability,” he said at the World Congress Innovation and Technology and 6th International Digital Economy Conference in Kuching.
State-owned Sarawak Energy Bhd produces and distributes electricity in Sarawak.
Julaihi said as manual operations of power plants are no longer cost effective or efficient, the adoption of computerised maintenance systems will enable better decision-making through reporting and dashboarding with business intelligence tools.
He said the digitalisation and automation of the Sarawak’s power network system and operations have been centred on the transmission network since 1998, with the focus shifted to the distribution network in 2016.
“Over the new few years, Sarawak will direct its efforts towards implementing key smart-grid initiatives such as distribution automation, online asset monitoring, distribution remote monitoring system, geographical information system (GIS), mobile field workforce automation, substation smart-surveillance system and advanced metering and infrastructure and smart meters,” he added.
The smart grid development is guided by five of the seven key dimensions of the Smart Grid Index, namely data analytics, monitoring and control, security, supply stability and consumer empowerment and satisfaction.
On smart meters, Julaihi said Sarawak Energy’s subsidiary Syarikat Sesco Bhd has to date installed 55,000 smart meters in the state capital.
He said the transition to the smart metering system is expected to be implemented in phases until 2029 and it will be extended to Sibu, Bintulu and Miri by 2024.
The smart meters equipped with advanced features will replace the conventional meters and enable efficient and fast billing system without the need for physical readings of the meters.
On water supply, Julaihi said Sarawak is working towards fully automated water treatment plants and is exploring 3D utility mapping in efforts to digitalise the state’s water supply system.
Currently, the four water supply authorities – Kuching Water Board, Sibu Water Board, Laku Management Sdn Bhd (northern Sarawak) and Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department – operate their own GIS mapping.
He said the water supply authorities are actively working towards integration to create a unified water supply GIS map.
“Additionally, we have plans to venture into 3D utility mapping in the future, allowing for visualisation of pipeline depths beneath the ground which would be immensely beneficial for both water supply planning and operational activities.
“Sarawak is proactively exploring innovative strategies to evolve into a data-centric water supply service.
“Our plans involves deploying fully automated water treatment plants by leveraging Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system and Internet of Things technology,” he added.
Julaihi said modern technology plays a crucial role in effectively overseeing the entire water distribution chain from the source all the way to customers as well as resolving problems and challenges, such as rapid detection and repair of water pipes’ leakages.
Furthermore, issues like high water loss in the distribution system due to poor detection and low water pressure or high turbidity compound the challenges.
In areas of poor accessibility in Sarawak, he pointed out that the cost of reading a water meter could be higher than the consumer’s water bill.
“Due to these challenges, smart technologies are leveraged to manage most of these problems, with the four water supply authorities are currently working together, focusing on digitialising the water supply system.
“Digitalising the water supply system is part of Sarawak Water Supply Masterplan and Water Grid strategy, encompassing production, distribution, retail and customer service and a centralised command centre.
“The command centre serves as the central hub for information, equipped with analytical capabilities for operational, decision-making and planning coordination purposes,” added Julaihi.
Under the Sarawak water supply grid programme (stressed areas) introduced in 2017, the Sarawak government has increased its allocation to RM4bil from an initial RM2.8bil to fund 298 projects, including those implemented under the Sarawak Alternative Water Supply.
These projects include upgrading of existing and construction of new water treatment plants, laying of new water pipelines and upgrading of distribution system.
Under the 12th Malaysia Plan, Sarawak plans to set aside another RM18bil to roll out more water supply projects to achieve the provision of treated water supply to the entire population by 2025.
