By DayakDaily Team
SINGAPORE, Oct 21: Sarawak plans to explore the potential of linking North Kalimantan’s vast hydropower resources to the rest of Borneo and beyond to enhance cross-border energy trade.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg shared that since 2012, Sarawak has formed a partnership with Indonesia’s Perusahaan Listrik Negara in the Kalimantan region, marking a significant step toward regional energy collaboration in Borneo.
A major breakthrough came in 2016 with the Sarawak-West Kalimantan Grid Strengthening Project, the first high-voltage interconnection between the two regions, bringing reliable electricity to remote Indonesian border communities.
“Building on this foundation, we are advancing the monumental Mentarang Induk Hydroelectric Plant (MIHEP) in Indonesia, a project that promises to reshape the nation’s energy landscape.
“Moving forward, we will explore the potential to link North Kalimantan’s significant hydropower resources to the rest of Borneo and beyond.
“The success of Sarawak’s first international transboundary interconnection has set the stage for further bilateral projects,” he said when delivering his keynote address titled ‘A Connected and Sustainable Energy World’ at Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) today. A copy of his speech text was made available to the press after the event.
Abang Johari further said Sarawak also aims to expand electricity exports to Sabah by 2025 and to Brunei between 2027 and 2030.
This commitment was reaffirmed through power exchange agreements with Sabah Electricity in 2021, enabling the export of 30 to 50 megawatts (MW) to Sabah upon the completion of transmission infrastructure by 2025.
“In addition, we have completed technical studies with Sembcorp Utilities to connect with Singapore and West Malaysia through undersea cables.
“Commercial negotiations for these interconnections are progressing well, while Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) is conducting a pre-feasibility study for a potential Sarawak-to-West Malaysia link.
“These projects mark significant milestones for Sarawak’s role in the ASEAN Power Grid’s next phase,” he added. — DayakDaily
