Sarawak Energy maintains focus on hydropower for competitive edge

From left: Sharbini gives Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and others a tour of the Sarawak Energy exhibition booth at International Energy Week 2018.

KUCHING, Jan 24: Sarawak Energy reiterated its commitment to developing renewable, affordable and reliable energy while exploring and implementing technological advancements in tandem with global energy trends at the International Energy Week 2018 here yesterday.

According to a press release, group chief executive officer Sharbini Suhaili in his presentation titled ‘Hydropower Development – Affordable, Renewable and Reliable Energy to Energise Transformation and Sustainable Opportunities ’ to regional and local delegates from the energy sector, stated how it was important to anticipate, identify and study game changers in the global energy scene in order to remain relevant to customers and stakeholders, and operate efficiently.

“Sarawak Energy aims to be a top quartile utility benchmarked against our regional and international peers. We are monitoring developments in the energy sector and adapting to them by adopting new technologies. This will ensure that we are ready to take advantage of new opportunities while dealing with the challenges that come with it,” he said.

Highlighting events affecting the industry over the past decade such as climate change and environmental challenges, policy and regulations and innovation in technologies that had led to a change in how the sector operates, Sharbini also said Sarawak Energy is working to stay ahead of the curve but emphasised that hydropower was the best option to provide the power for Sarawak’s growth and development given how the benefits could be transferred to customers.

Sarawak Energy offers the lowest average tariff in Malaysia and amongst the lowest in the region.

“For Sarawak, renewable hydropower has powered the energy sector especially in the last decade providing affordable and sustainable energy for Sarawak’s growth and development. Our projects are developed in accordance to the International Hydropower Association (IHA) Sustainability Assessment Protocol and the International Commission On Large Dams (ICOLD) guideline.

Sharbini also highlighted how the wholly government-owned corporation was partnering the state government in its development strategies for Sarawak, starting with the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy as well as the Digital Economy, and the latest endeavour to build a Green Energy Economy by research into hydrogen and fuel cell application particularly for public transport. — DayakDaily