By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 29: Sarawak has the potential to generate up to 15 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy mix from various sources by 2035, according to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Based on a post on the Premier’s official Facebook page, ‘Sarawakku’, Abang Johari stated that Sarawak is actively exploring innovative ways to harness energy from its hydropower potential, solar, biomass, sustainable fuels, and hydrogen.
“Sarawak’s shift to a green economy relied heavily on sustainable energy, necessitating an ambitious goal of achieving a 10-gigawatt renewable energy mix by 2030. However, we can produce up to 15 GW by 2035,” he said during his keynote address at the Australia-Asean Business Forum 2024, titled ‘The Powerhouse Of Green Economy In Asean’, held today at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Sydney, Australia.
He went on to say that the efforts will create a dynamic environment for investors interested in sustainable and renewable energy solutions.
“As we move forward, we need to decouple our economic growth from environmental impacts, while ensuring that growth is inclusive and distributed,” he said, adding that renewable energy had emerged as a significant draw for investors who were committed to lowering their carbon footprint and contributing to a more sustainable future.
The Premier also stated that by 2030, Sarawak aimed to have solar energy account for 12 per cent of its total capacity mix, which would not only help the State reduce its carbon footprint but also contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sector.
“Our hydropower provides clean, reliable energy, supporting local industries and enabling us to export surplus power. Since 2010, we’ve reduced our grid emissions by 73 per cent, showcasing our dedication to achieving net zero and advancing the green economy.
“We cannot do this alone. I invite all of you to strengthen the Australia-Asean partnership with us in innovation and economic collaboration.
“Let us continue to innovate, collaborate, and strive towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for Sarawak, Asean, and beyond,” he noted.
Later, the Premier witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Australia-Malaysia Business Council (AMBC) New South Wales (NSW) and the Sarawak-Australia Business Chamber (SABC).
The primary objective of the MoU was to establish a strategic partnership between AMBC NSW and SABC to facilitate and promote trade, investment, and business activities between Sarawak and Australia.
Representing SABC was its president, Rodger Chan Siong Boh, while AMBC NSW was represented by its president, Philip Low.
The ceremony was witnessed by Karla Lampe, Executive Director of Trade and International Investment of the NSW Premier’s Department, and John Stephen Murray AO, Chairman of Latrobe Magnesium and former Secretary of the Ministry of Trade NSW.
Accompanying the Premier at the forum were State Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Australia, Her Excellency Sharrina Abdullah, Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Haji Hazland Abang Hipni, State Financial Secretary, Dato Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, and Chief Political Secretary to the Premier, Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman. — DayakDaily
