KUCHING, Jan 5: The Norwegian government has expressed interest in establishing a partnership with the Sarawak government and exploring opportunities in the field of new energy.
According to a press release issued today by the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability, the Sarawak government’s determination in developing new energy sources such as hydrogen has encouraged the Norwegian government to establish cooperation with the State government to realise Sarawak’s 10-year development plan, known as Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
The Norwegian government is also interested in the Sarawak government’s policies promoting green energy and technology, which make the State an especially attractive investment destination in the green energy sector.
Furthermore, Norwegian Ambassador in Malaysia, Morten Paulsen expressed the Norwegian government’s interest in the implementation of Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) in Sarawak.
Sarawak has CCUS potential due to its large land area and geological structure that is suitable for carbon dioxide storage.
The CCUS industry will also encourage development to ensure energy security, while also providing local job opportunities and income sources.
The Norwegian government is ready to assist the Sarawak government in making CCUS a success by providing and supplying sophisticated and up-to-date technology that allows for a balance between the volume of greenhouse gases produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere.
A Norwegian delegation led by Paulsen paid a courtesy visit to Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, at his office at the Baitulmakmur Building here on Wednesday (Jan 4).
Also present were Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability’s permanent secretary Ahmad Morni, deputy permanent secretary Rusmaliza Mat Darus and officers, as well as representatives from Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros), Sarawak Energy Berhad (Sarawak Energy), and Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB).
Meanwhile, yesterday morning, the Norwegian delegation paid a courtesy call on Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Premier’s Office at Wisma Bapa Malaysia, Petra Jaya here. — DayakDaily
