By Karen Bong
MIRI, Nov 30: The RM2 billion Miri Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) Power Plant, set to be operational by 2027, will be the first of its kind in the region, utilising a groundbreaking mix of 30 per cent hydrogen and 70 per cent natural gas to generate 500MW of electricity.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg highlighted this during the plant’s groundbreaking ceremony, marking a significant milestone for Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) in Sarawak’s energy journey at the project site in Lutong today.
The Miri CCGT Power Plant will employ an advanced gas turbine with a heat recovery steam generator and steam turbine to deliver cleaner, more efficient energy to the Sarawak grid.
This facility will meet both current and future energy demands, enhancing energy reliability for Northern Sarawak.
In his address, Abang Johari emphasised that the project is a crucial step in realising Sarawak’s vision including the Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGR), contributing to addressing climate change, adding value to the State’s gas resources, and bringing tangible benefits to Sarawak and its people.
The project will help advance Sarawak’s economy, foster a skilled workforce, and promote the sharing of power resources with neighbouring regions.
“The Sarawak government has invested RM2 billion in this project, carried out by Petros in Miri.
“Once completed with a 500MW generation capacity, the surplus power can be shared with Sabah and even Brunei if needed,” he said.
Sarawak presently supplies energy to Kalimantan and has committed to assisting Sabah with its energy needs.
Abang Johari also outlined Sarawak’s goal to supply 1GW to Singapore and 1GW to Peninsular Malaysia, reflecting Sarawak’s ambition to become an energy hub within Asean, benefiting both Sarawak and the broader Malaysian economy.
With Petros’ motto ‘Harnessing resources for the sustainable progress of Sarawak and beyond’, Abang Johari stressed the importance of looking beyond Sarawak’s borders.
“Harnessing these natural resources will not only benefit Sarawak but also Malaysia and our neighbouring countries,” he added.
He further proposed expanding Sarawak’s renewable energy portfolio, suggesting the potential of extracting methane gas (CH4) to produce blue hydrogen.
“With advanced technology, we could increase the use of hydrogen and eventually make it the feedstock for the cleanest fuel to generate power, as the world demands,” he said.
Earlier, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi highlighted that the Miri CCGT Power Plant represents Sarawak’s commitment to responsibly harnessing its abundant natural gas resources.
“By increasing domestic gas utilisation from 6 per cent to 30 per cent by 2030, this project underscores our dedication to creating opportunities for Sarawakians while leveraging our resources to meet both current and future energy demands sustainably,” he said.
Once operational by the end of 2027, the power plant will play a pivotal role in enhancing Sarawak’s energy infrastructure and economy. It will also underscore Petros’ role as Sarawak’s appointed gas aggregator, tasked with ensuring efficient gas distribution while driving industrial development. — DayakDaily
