KUCHING: Sarawak targets to have solar energy make up 12% of its total capacity mix in electricity generation by 2030.
Stating this Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state had set an ambitious goal to achieve a 10-gigawatt renewable energy (RE) mix by 2030.
“Sarawak’s shift to a green economy depends greatly on sustainable energy. We are actively exploring innovative methods to harness energy through hydropower potential, solar, biomass, sustainable fuels and hydrogen.
“These efforts create a dynamic landscape for investors interested in sustainable and RE solutions.
“Moreover RE has emerged as a significant draw for investors who are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to a greener future,” he said in keynote address themed “Sarawak – The Powerhouse of Green Economy in Asean” at the Australia-Asean Business Forum in Sydney last Thursday.
According to state-owned utility body Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB), its current available electricity capacity totals up to some 5,745MW across Sarawak. Hydropower contributes some 70% to the electricity generation mix and SEB aims to maintain at least 60% of generation mix from hydropower.
SEB currently owns the 2,400 megawatt (MW) Bakun hydroelectric dam, the 944MW Murun dam and the 108MW Batang Ai dam. The 1,285MW Baleh dam project currently underway is slated for completion by 2028.
SEB’s first major floating 50MW solar farm in Batang Ai dam reservoir is due for commissioning in October 2024.
Abang Johari said by increasing solar energy in the state’s electricity generation mix would not only help to reduce its carbon footprint but also contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sector.
“Our hydropower provides clean, reliable energy, supporting local industries and enabling us to export surplus power. Since 2010,we have reduced our grid emissions by 73%, showcasing our dedication to achieving net-zero and advancing green economy.
“Sarawak stands at a critical juncture where we must decouple gross domestic product growth from unsustainable energy and resource consumption. This shift requires Sarawak to embrace green economy policies to drive this transition,’ he added.Abang Johari said alongside its goals for renewable energy, Sarawak is leading the way in the hydrogen economy within Asean.
“Our efforts in hydrogen show how dedicated we are to innovation and our dream of being a global leader in clean energy. Sarawak is a key player to Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap, developing a green hydrogen hub.
“This is possible due to our vast hydropower potential. This new and exciting economy opens up numerous opportunities for investment, from developing new technology, such as electrolysers and fuel cells to building energy storage systems and integrating use in the transport sectors.”The Premier said Sarawak is not just pursuing sustainable energy and green economy, the state is committed to achieving net zero emissions.
“We are making strong efforts to decarbonise high-emitting sectors, ensuring that our economic growth aligns with our responsibility to the environment. By investing in green hydrogen and clean energy, we are moving beyond traditional industries like oil, gas and timber.
“Sarawak is making significant strides in South-East Asia when it comes to carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technology. We were also the first in Malaysia to pass laws that support CCUS and other carbon-related activities. This demonstrates our strong commitment to achieving our net-zero emissions goal and set a benchmark for others to follow.
Abang Johari said Sarawak’s recent legal amendments had paved the way for carbon trading, carbon storage and the sustainable management of its forests.
“From groundbreaking advances in CCUS to ambitious goals for RE and major reduction in emissions, Sarawak is at the forefront of the regional green transition.
“As we move ahead, we need to decouple our economic growth from environmental impacts while ensuring that the growth is inclusive and distributed,” he added.
However, Abang Johari said Sarawak could not do this alone and he called for the strengthening of the Australia-Asean partnership with Sarawak in innovation and economic collaboration.
