Editor’s Note: This story has been updated at 4.02pm today.
By Lian Cheng and Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, Feb 21: Sarawak aims to be the battery of ASEAN, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
In pointing this out, Abang Johari said that through its renewable energy sector, Sarawak aims to attain sustainable growth and prosperity by becoming a powerhouse in the region, providing affordable, reliable, and renewable energy.
“I am confident that we can achieve these targets given our abundant renewable hydropower and natural resources,” said Abang Johari in his speech during the Sarawak Energy Centenary Townhall ceremony held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
Abang Johari noted since 2016, Sarawak has been exporting predominantly renewable electricity to West Kalimantan.
He said that Sarawak would commence power export to Sabah in the near future and eventually aim to materialise the Borneo Grid.
“Our North Kalimantan project is also progressing well in its preparation for the final investment decision.
“Once this project is realised, it will greatly contribute to regional supply reliability, economic growth and prosperity,” he added.
Meanwhile, at the same event, Sarawak Energy CEO Datu Sharbini Suhaili said the company took the first step in 2016 in driving a transboundary Borneo Grid with the commissioning of Sarawak’s first interconnection to West Kalimantan.
He said this successful implementation led to the identification and possible implementation of other, similar bilateral interconnection projects, laying the foundation for an interconnected Borneo and eventually ASEAN.
“Last year, we signed Power Exchange and Interconnection Agreements with Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd.
“We will export 30 to 50MW to Sabah after the completion of transmission infrastructure in the next few years.
“Sarawak Energy is also progressing talks with Brunei and Singapore.
“With the strong support of the Government of Sarawak, we believe we can ensure Sarawak becomes the ‘battery of ASEAN’ with interconnections from Borneo to elsewhere in the region,” said Sharbini.
He said Sarawak Energy’s experience and expertise in renewable hydropower development was key to the success of its first international venture.
“We are working with our Indonesian partner through a joint venture company to materialise a proposed hydroelectric project in Northern Kalimantan.
“If we are able to materialise this, it will be our first international project and a significant milestone to become a regional powerhouse in Southeast Asia,” said Sharbini. — DayakDaily
