KUCHING, Dec 10: Sarawak Energy achieved another milestone today with the launch of Sarawak’s first Renewable Energy Certificate (REC).
The launch was made by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at the inaugural Sustainability and Renewable Energy Forum (SAREF) 2019.
Each REC given out represents the environmental benefits of 1MWh of renewable energy generated from Batang Ai hydroelectric plant.
Sarawak Energy also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to undertake a study on certified renewable energy supply with Shell MDS (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.
The MoU will focus on research into REC as a mechanism for procuring and driving greater integration of renewable energy into energy supply chains.
According to Sarawak Energy in a statement, economic prosperity and continuing growth have led to a rise in energy related carbon emissions globally, making climate change an ever bigger threat.
“Despite Sarawak’s steady economic development and an industry driven increase in energy consumption, Sarawak Energy has managed to decarbonise electricity supply through the development of renewable hydropower, recording a decrease of about 77 per cent in grid carbon intensity since 2010.
“Sarawak Energy introduction of the REC provides for corporate purchase of renewable energy generated in Sarawak. Hydropower is the foundation for Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy, making the venture into REC a natural progression,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the certificate is regulated by Tradable Instrument for Global Renewable (TIGR) registry, an online platform for transparent, secure and reliable tracking of REC.
It was established to provide best practice guidelines and carbon disclosure project (CDP) standards for tracking and reporting, and at the same time, provide assurance to buyers of the integrity of each REC transaction.
The event was also witnessed by United Nations Goodwill Ambassador Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh.—DayakDaily
