KUCHING, March 1: Sarawak through Sarawak Energy, in partnership with PT Kayan Hydropower Nusantara (KHN), will jointly develop the largest hydroelectric power station in Indonesia at Mentarang River located 35km from Malinau, that is expected to produce 1,375MW of electricity for the industrial zone in North Kalimantan.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised that Sarawak is ready to share its experience in renewable energy generation with neighbouring countries for the mutual benefit in terms of environmental and economic sustainability.
“With experience in developing three existing hydro dams, Sarawak has the ability to assist.
“As the largest renewable energy source in Malaysia, Sarawak is already supplying energy to West Kalimantan and the next step will be to distribute (energy) to Sabah and Brunei,” he said in his speech at the Ramah Tamah for Sarawak government delegation and Malinau Regency yesterday (Feb 28).
According to a media release, Abang Johari, who led a delegation from the Sarawak government, arrived in Malinau, North Kalimantan through Tarakan town yesterday afternoon at the invitation of the PT KHN management.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo is scheduled to perform a groundbreaking ceremony today for the strategic project which is estimated to cost USD2.6 billion.
Construction of the project will begin in the first quarter of 2024 with completion target at the end of 2029 and expected to be fully operational in 2030.
Abang Johari expressed confidence that the project will attract more investment into North Kalimantan which would improve the economy of the region which has similar culture to Sarawak as most of the residents at the project location are of Lun Dayeh and Punan tribes.
Among the Sarawak delegation include Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Dr Hazland Abang Hipni and Sarawak Energy Berhad Group chief executive officer (CEO) Datu Sharbini Suhaili. — DayakDaily
