By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 13: The Sarawak government is planning to develop Bintulu-Samalaju gas pipeline and the Pan Sarawak Virtual Pipeline System so as to enable greater utilisation of gas across the state.
Minister of Utilities Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom emphasised that with Sarawak having full regulatory control over its domestic gas distribution under the Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016 (DGO21016), the state government plans to expand the coverage of natural gas (NG) distribution across Sarawak.
His winding-up speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing.
Dr Rundi also informed the august House that the negotiation between Sarawak and Sabah for the interconnection of electric power to Sabah is being finalised.
“Interconnection to neighbouring states will enhance the power export potential on Sarawak’s renewable energy.
“Besides enhancing system reliability and security for both states by sharing of generation resources, this interconnection is part of the Borneo Grid agenda that will facilitate economic collaboration and development between the two regions,” he said.
He added that the 1,285 mega watt (MW) Baleh hydropower plant and the 842MW Tanjung Kidurong Combined Cycle plant are being constructed to provide the energy capacity needed to support Sarawak’s future growth and development as a high-income state.
“To provide adequate transmission security and capacity for future system load growth, a 500 kilo Volt backbone transmission system stretching from Similajau to Tondong is implemented, and various transmission substations, transmission lines and distribution systems are being constructed,” he said.
Besides hydro, Dr Rundi highlighted that solar power has been identified as one of the potential renewable sources.
“A pilot 50MW floating solar farm project at Batang Ai reservoir will be implemented as a case study to determine the suitability of implementing large scale floating solar projects in other hydropower reservoirs,” he added.
The Ministry of Utilities, he continued, has submitted for funding under 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) to subsidise home solar roof top installation.
“The household will also benefit from reduced electricity cost under the Net Energy Metering (NEM) scheme, whereby this electricity usage will be deducted from SEB’s electricity bill,” he said. — DayakDaily
