By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Nov 8: There is a need to encourage more solar energy power generation in Sarawak, as it is expected to be one of the primary drivers of clean energy in the State.
According to Utility and Telecommunications (MUT) Sarawak minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi, the usage of solar energy also aligns with the Sarawak government’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions by as much as 800,000 tonnes by 2030, as well as its commitment to renewable energy.
“The Net Energy Metering (NEM) scheme is a utility billing mechanism that credits direct Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system home owners for the electricity that they add to the Sarawak Electricity Grid.
“The rolling out of the NEM scheme in Sarawak is to promote the use of renewable energy and the conservation of non-renewable energy.
“This scheme is administered by Sarawak Energy Berhad (Sarawak Energy), and the NEM Scheme Guidelines was introduced by MUT in August 2021 in line with the aspirations set in the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030),” he said during his speech at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for solar-ready homes in Sarawak between Hornbill Networks Consortium Sdn Bhd, Vestech Energy Sdn Bhd, and Alliance Bank Bhd held today at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here.
He went on to say that based on the report by Sarawak Energy in 2021, there are 617,255 domestic customer accounts that have a potential renewable energy generation of 2 gigawatts (GW).
“The same report also states that Sarawak generated 73 per cent of its energy mix from renewable energy. Nevertheless, 99 per cent of it is generated by hydropower. Thus, the need to have and encourage more solar energy power generation in Sarawak.
“I am also proud to announce that we have the lowest domestic tariff rate at less than 30 cents per kilowatt (KW) for electricity in Malaysia.”
Regarding the MOU, Julaihi mentioned that it is a positive step towards assisting Sarawak in achieving its economic objectives under the PCDS 2030 and minimising its carbon emissions.
He also urged more developers to take similar action and offer homes that are equipped for solar energy in the near future.
“I am pleased also to hear from Hornbill Networks Consortium that it is gearing up with Vestech Energy and Alliance Bank to launch an additional 500 solar-ready homes by 2025 on top of the 28 units for the first stage of this development.
“As such, these 500 plus solar-ready homes will generate close to 1.8 megawatt (MW) of renewable energy which is impressive,” he added.
According to a press handout, the Samariang Avenue Phase 2, located at Jalan Bakti, Petra Jaya here will be equipped with five solar panels with an energy output of 3.3 kilowatts peak (kWp) under the NEM scheme, estimated to provide monthly savings of up to RM200 per household. — DayakDaily
