KUCHING, Nov 22: Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen has opposed the proposed sale of 1,000 megawatts (MW) of clean energy to Singapore or Peninsular Malaysia.
Chong noted that Sarawak’s current energy generation capacity stands at 5,745MW, with a demand of 4,627MW, while projections indicate an increase in generation capacity to 8,240MW and demand to 6,460MW by 2028.
Expressing concern about this energy balance, Chong questioned how Sarawak can afford to export 1,000MW beyond its borders while also maintaining the necessary reserve margin.
“With that ratio of power generation and demand, how will Sarawak be able to supply the 1,000MW outside Sarawak given that we must also maintain a reserve margin?
“The recommended reserve margin by International Energy Agency (IEA) is 20 per cent to 35 per cent,” he said.
Chong raised this when participating in the debate of Sarawak Budget 2024 in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting today.
He contended that if Sarawak proceeds with selling the 1,000MW to Singapore or Peninsular Malaysia, the State would sacrifice its electricity reserve margin, potentially leading to more frequent interruptions in power supply.
More importantly, Chong opined that the proposed selling of 1,000MW clean energy would give advantage to the competitiveness of their industry as compared to Sarawak’s industry.
“Given the global awareness in climate protection and the increased emphasis on clean energy, clean energy is now a very valuable commodity as it will add to the value of the products produced using clean energy.
“Therefore, instead of selling clean energy to Singapore, the State government and Sarawak Energy should plan to capitalise the clean energy to enhance the competitiveness of our local industry so that the local industries and exporters have an advantage over the others,” he pointed out.
Chong urged the Sarawak government to formulate a system and issue Clean Energy Certificates to local industries, especially those involved in exporting their products so that their products can fetch higher prices. — DayakDaily
