By Lian Cheng and Karen Bong
KUCHING, Oct 18: Sarawak is currently Malaysia’s largest provider of renewable energy for a population of almost 3 million across Sarawak and parts of Indonesian Borneo in West Kalimantan.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said in fact, 70 per cent of the total generation mix is from Sarawak’s hydropower resources, which can be harnessed to produce low carbon hydrogen.
“This provides an ideal setting for enabling the hydrogen economy in Sarawak and hence hydrogen research study was initiated as pioneering steps to explore, innovate and produce green hydrogen as a solution for the commercial and public application of hydrogen and fuel cell technology,” said Abang Johari.
He held that the economic transition to an equitable, net-zero emission and sustainable future is both one of the most pressing challenges and greatest responsibilities we have in front of us as a society today.
“More than ever, we seek evidence-based insights, high quality data and advanced analytics to support strategies when linking sustainability and performance.
“Data is an increasingly valuable resource, dubbed as the new oil, in fact a renewable resource, that can provide economic value and drive environmental & energy sustainably.
“Big data will play a vital role in environmental and energy sustainability protecting the environment and natural resources and assessing environmental risks,” said Abang Johari at the official launch of the three-day Borneo International Water and Wastewater Exhibition and Conference 2022, themed ‘Sustainability and Resilience Through Smart Technology and Innovation’ held at a local hotel here today.
Citing aqueducts as an example, he said this water-risk mapping tool was designed to monitor and calculate water risks around the world, relying on big data, such as water quantity, quality, and other changing regulatory issues.
“Big data will enable environmental sustainability and security by giving the world the opportunity to better understand its demand for energy, food, and water.
“Among the many benefits of big data for sustainability, is its function in the enforcement of regulatory practices around the world in keeping track of their emissions, reaching renewable energy goals as they raise standards of sustainability in all sectors.”
Based on the theory that 2,000 litres of water is needed to produce the food necessary to feed one person for a single day, he said the application of big data for agriculture is critical, given the average rate of resource consumption and growing scarcity, making big data indispensable in managing the environmental and energy sustainability challenges and issues.
With increasing complexity in water systems and management, there is growing potential and need to adopt transformative digital solutions. Digital technologies offer unlimited potential to transform water systems, helping utilities build a stronger and more economically viable foundation for the future.
Abang Johari further pointed out that exploiting the value of data, automation, and artificial intelligence allows water utilities to extend water resources, reduce non-revenue water, expand infrastructure life cycles, provide the basis for financial security, and more.
“Digital technologies and innovations are at the forefront of solving water quantity and quality challenges.
“Solutions such as artificial intelligence and blockchain are helping to vastly improve our understanding of surface and groundwater supplies, how infrastructure is managed and how communication with customers and consumers on water quantity and quality is managed,” said Abang Johari.
Among those present were Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Utility and Communication Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi and his deputies Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and Datuk Liwan Lagang. — DayakDaily
