By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 29: The Sarawak Economic Planning Unit (EPU) has been given a year and a half’s time to conduct a feasibility study in Miri waters on adopting Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) technology to generate energy.
In stating this, Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg believes that the OTEC technology is highly relevant for tropical regions like Sarawak.
“This is because Sarawak has a warm climate and our seas have cold depths, which is essential, as the right depth is needed.
“Being in the tropics, we have a continental shelf that is relatively flat and does not drop steeply, which may be a crucial factor in generating energy from the ocean.
“This is a new initiative we are pioneering, beyond just kinetic energy from waves.
“If successful, Sarawak could generate green energy with a potential surplus, which we could share with our ASEAN partners and possibly even export to other regions,” he told a press conference after officiating Sarawak Sustainability Insights 2024 event held at Pullman Hotel here today.
Abang Johari who is also Sarawak Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability (MEESty) further said that the study will be carried out in Miri waters because the seabed there has a gradual slope towards the sea.
“If it is too deep, it won’t work; the depth needs to be suitable because, geologically, we see that Miri’s waters, including the surface, have a certain depth.
“The surface water is warmed by the sun, while the water below remains quite cool, creating a cycle of warm and cold currents with a turbine in the middle,” he explained. — DayakDaily
