KUCHING, May 17: Sarawak has successfully reduced its carbon intensity of power generation by 76.5 per cent since 2009 through its sustainable hydropower generation.
During a special consultative meeting prior to the three-day World Hydropower Congress in Paris on May 14, Sarawak Energy Berhad (Sarawak Energy) chairman Datuk Amar Abdul Hamed Sepawi shared in a forum there Sarawak’s journey of hydropower development and its spinoff benefits, including reducing the carbon intensity of power generation in the state.
Meanwhile, Minister for Utilities Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom also represented Sarawak in the international forum, highlighted the multiple roles of hydropower reservoirs as important catchment areas, including for flood mitigation, irrigation, navigation and agriculture purposes.
He said the state government was looking at tapping clean water from the reservoirs for consumption.
Dr Rundi also said that Sarawak’s generation mix was predominately renewable hydropower, complemented by thermal energy for security and energy diversity.
He also highlighted that in developing its hydropower resources, Sarawak adopted international best practices in hydropower development and management as a platinum member and sustainability partner of the International Hydropower Association (IHA).
During the meeting, various thought leaders came together to discuss and propose sustainable water and energy solutions as an integrated response to advance actions combating climate change (SDG13) by addressing water (SDG6) and energy (SDG7) challenges.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a shared blueprint for current and future peace and prosperity for people and the planet, with 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as an urgent call for action by all countries in a global partnership.
The meeting was organised under the Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions Network established by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), Itaipu Binacional and International Hydropower Association (IHA).
As a leading sustainable hydropower developer and renewable energy provider, Sarawak was invited to participate in the forum comprising about 50 high-level hydropower specialists and leads, financial institutions, government officials and civil society representatives.
The meeting serves as a platform for decision-makers and experts active in the energy, water and climate sectors to exchange perspectives on policy and business strategy and to guide future work and decisions.
Sarawak Energy group chief executive officer (CEO) Datu Sharbini Suhaili is an elected member of the IHA board. — DayakDaily
