By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 6: Batang Ai Hydroelectric Plant (HEP) will scale up its solar capacity to 170 megawatts (MW), setting a new benchmark for renewable energy in Malaysia.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak Energy Berhad (Sarawak Energy) has already installed 50MW of floating solar at Batang Ai, and plans are underway to add another 120MW.
“This means Batang Ai will generate 170MW of electricity from solar. This could be the biggest in Malaysia,” he said during Batang Ai Hydroelectric Plant’s 40th anniversary event broadcast live by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) on Facebook today.
Commissioned in 1985 as Sarawak’s first large-scale hydroelectric plant, Batang Ai HEP has an available capacity of 94MW today. The addition of solar power further cements its role as a trailblazer in renewable energy.
At a press conference, a recording of which was later shared with DayakDaily, Abang Johari said Batang Ai’s success laid the foundation for subsequent hydropower projects including Bakun, Murum and Baleh.
“About 70 per cent of our power now comes from hydro, the rest from gas and a small portion from coal in Balingian and Igan. With the addition of solar, we are strengthening Sarawak’s renewable energy mix,” he elaborated.
He revealed there is also interest in developing solar energy at Bakun, Murum and Baleh, including options for floating and elevated solar facilities.
“In Batang Ai, we are now the biggest solar installer in Malaysia. Beyond floating solar, there is also the possibility of elevated solar on land, but built on raised structures to protect the land surface.
“In other words, there will be dual functions—power generation while preserving the land,” he explained.
The Premier added that Sarawak is also exploring biomass through facilities such as Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (SALCRA) in Lubok Antu, which can convert oil palm waste into feedstock for power, as well as biogas as another renewable source.
“With all this development, our target of 10 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 and 15GW by 2035 can be achieved, and there is a possibility it could be more,” he asserted.
Earlier in his welcoming speech, Deputy Minister for Utility (Sarawak Energy and PETROS) and Sarawak Energy chairman Dato Ibrahim Baki noted that Batang Ai had already set a national milestone with the commissioning of the 50MW floating solar farm in December 2024.
He added that work is ongoing to expand the capacity by another 120MW in 2026, which will bring Batang Ai’s total solar generation to 170MW—the largest of its kind in Malaysia.
Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Sarawak Minister of Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi; Deputy Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Dr Malcom Musen Lamoh who is also Batang Ai assemblyman; Sarawak Energy Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Sharbini Suhaili; and Sri Aman Resident Mahra Salleh. – DayakDaily
