By Shikin Louis
MIRI, Nov 7: Sarawak plans to install a floating solar facility at Sungai Kuap, behind the Sama Jaya Free Industrial Zone, as a new source of electricity to boost Kuching’s power supply.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the initiative would make use of Sungai Kuap, which is currently underutilised, to generate additional power through floating solar technology.
“Those in Kuching must be familiar with our high-tech industries in Sama Jaya. What are we doing now? We need to add more power.
“Beside it is Sungai Kuap, behind Sama Jaya. It is not being utilised. So what do we do? We install floating solar at Sungai Kuap. It will be a new power source for Kuching,” he said when officiating the opening of the FORUM Cultural Centre here today, which was streamed live on Facebook by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS).
He said the initiative was part of Sarawak’s approach to adopting new technologies and exploring different ways of developing its energy resources.
Abang Johari noted Sarawak could also optimise the use of rivers to generate electricity without having to flood land belonging to communities.
He said advances in engineering and Building Information Modelling (BIM) could help in designing cascading dam systems that harness river flows and gravity to turn turbines, while allowing boats to continue navigating the waterways.
The proposed Sungai Kuap installation would build on Sarawak’s experience with floating solar technology, following the development of a 50-megawatt floating solar farm at the Batang Ai Hydroelectric Dam, which began operating in December 2024. The Batang Ai facility combines solar and hydropower generation. — DayakDaily
