By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 16: In a bid to strengthen revenue and secure a sustainable and diverse power supply, Sarawak is venturing beyond its traditional reliance on hydropower and exploring alternative energy options such as solar, hybrid systems, wind turbines and leveraging its abundant offshore gas reserves to position Sarawak as the dominant power supplier in the region.
Recognising the potential of renewable and green energy, the Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has outlined various possibilities that could shape the future of energy in the region.
“One is floating solar (technology). We have to find a new (cost-effective) method to be developed. With Sarawak Energy as the sole distributor of power in Sarawak, we can work out the formula between Sarawak Energy and the producers.
“However, careful consideration must be given to cost structures and tariffs we have to sell to ensure financial viability and prevent losses. There must be a certain formula, and with technological advancements in solar energy, there is a possibility the cost can be reduced,” he said when officiating Sarawak Energy’s Hari Raya gathering tonight.
Building on the success of the hybrid solar system implemented by Shell at its TIMI platform, which combines wind and solar energy generations, Abang Johari said Sarawak is now exploring the prospects of integrating wind and solar as complementary energy sources with Sarawak scientists have been tasked with developing lightweight wind blades that can effectively harness wind energy to rotate the turbines.
“This has been done, and we are exploring new possibilities in wind technology. If this is the case, we can have our own offshore wind turbines to supply power to the mainland with Sarawak Energy handling the distribution,” he explained.
Abang Johari also mentioned the untapped potential of gas turbines, emphasising Sarawak’s extensive offshore gas reserves as a valuable power generation resource. Leveraging new technologies, these gas reserves can be used as raw sources to fuel gas turbines, further diversifying Sarawak’s energy portfolio.
By exploring these renewable energy resources, Abang Johari said it would complement the existing hydroelectric resources and guarantee a stable and sustainable power supply, with the potential to share excess power with neighbouring regions.
“Now, we are the largest renewable energy generator in Malaysia, focusing on renewable hydropower, spearheaded by Sarawak Energy under the jurisdiction of the Sarawak Ministry of Utilities and Telecommunications.
“That’s why I believe the objective of Sarawak Energy becoming the dominant power supplier can be achieved, provided we command the technology,” he added.
Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Deputy Minister of Telecommunications Datuk Liwan Lagang, Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, Deputy Minister of Utility Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Sarawak Energy chairman Datuk Amar Abdul Hamed Sepawi and Sarawak Energy Group chief executive officer (CEO) Datu Sarbini Suhaili were among those present. — DayakDaily
