KUCHING, Oct 25: Sarawak has significantly reduced emissions from its power grid by 72 per cent between 2010 and 2020 since the successful transition of the State’s generation mix to 70 per cent hydropower in 2015, complemented by thermal resources for energy security.
Speaking at the Singapore Energy Summit held at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore today, Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that the shift to renewable hydropower has continued to drive Sarawak’s sustainable socio-economic growth in the present day.
Moreover, he pointed out that Sarawak currently offers the lowest average unsubsidised electricity tariffs in Southeast Asia that has benefitted the domestic, industrial and export customers.
“By 2030, Sarawak plans to reduce CO2 emissions by 60,000 tonnes per annum by electrifying Sarawak’s mobility fleet.
“We also aim to maintain at least 60 per cent renewable energy capacity mix, with renewable hydropower at its core and an increase in alternative renewable energy resources,” he shared.
As Asean’s prime mover for hydropower development, Abang Johari said Sarawak has immense hydropower potential.
“Initial studies capped our estimated capacity at 20,000MW (megawatt), but further studies then narrowed down our most prospective hydropower sites to 12 locations with a potential of 8,000MW of which we have developed 3,453MW with another 1,285MW due to be commissioned by 2027,” he shared in his speech at the Summit in conjunction with Singapore International Energy Week today.
Abang Johari pointed out that the commissioning of Sarawak’s first Batang Ai hydroelectric plant in 1985 was an important milestone in Sarawak’s journey towards renewable energy and decarbonisation.
“This was the first step towards building a more modern power system and the State Power Grid for Sarawak.
“We are also blessed with an abundance of natural resources in the form of oil and gas, as well as coal,” he added.
With that, Abang Johari emphasised that Sarawak’s renewable hydropower will be among the main engines for achieving the climate goal of a transition from CO2-producing electricity generation to carbon-free generation.
As Malaysia’s largest renewable energy provider, he believes Sarawak can play a key role in accelerating the region’s energy transition by working together with its neighbours through sharing its resources.
“Sarawak’s growth agenda supports a resilient and sustainable energy future for a common regional prosperity. Our present decisions will have major implications for future generations, whose ability to lead prosperous healthy lives depends on what we do today,” he said.
Noting that the global movement towards decarbonisation and energy transition are particularly important for Asean given the threats of climate change, he added that the next few years are critical to realise a sustainable, livable future for all as delayed action will trigger catastrophic impacts on people and the planet.
“Changing course will require immediate, ambitious and concerted efforts to slash emissions, build resilience, and conserve ecosystems,” he said.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, Sarawak State Secretary Dato Sri Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and Sarawak Energy Group chief executive officer (CEO) Datu Sharbini Suhaili were also present. — DayakDaily
