By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 10: Sarawak is aiming to generate 1,500 megawatts (MW) of solar energy by 2030 as part of its aggressive push toward renewable energy and low-carbon development, in line with its broader vision for sustainable economic growth.
This target forms a key component of the Sarawak Energy Transition Policy (SET-P)—a strategic framework guiding the Sarawak’s shift to a sustainable and low-carbon energy future.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised that energy security and affordability remain at the heart of Sarawak’s inclusive and rapid development.
“A reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy supply is essential to meet the growing needs of our people and businesses. It also underpins our goal of becoming a regional leader in renewable energy,” he said in a keynote address titled ‘Renewable Energy Sarawak: Powering Sustainable Growth’, delivered on his behalf by Deputy Minister for Utility (Sarawak Energy Berhad and PETROS), Dato Ibrahim Baki, during the 18th International Photovoltaic Power Generation and Smart Energy Exhibition & Conference (SNEC PV) in Shanghai, China today.
Abang Johari highlighted that Sarawak has already achieved a total generation capacity of 5,898MW, with over 60 per cent derived from hydropower, supported by natural thermal sources to ensure energy security.
To complement its strong hydropower base, Sarawak is expanding into solar power. The 50MW Batang Ai Floating Solar Farm—Malaysia’s first hydro-solar hybrid project—began generating power in December 2024, marking a significant milestone.
Building on this success, Sarawak is now exploring larger-scale floating solar projects across other hydropower reservoir catchments, in collaboration with international partners and independent power producers.
“With strong hydropower backing our solar ambitions, we are well-positioned to accelerate solar integration and grid resilience,” said Abang Johari.
He also underscored Sarawak’s ambition to reach 10 gigawatts (GW) of energy capacity by 2030 and 15GW by 2035, adding that the 2023 amendment to the Electricity Ordinance has laid a stronger legal foundation to promote renewable energy.
“The updated ordinance supports solar and cascading power development, encourages independent power producers, facilitates consumer-generated electricity with grid integration, and mandates high standards for reliability and environmental compliance,” he said.
Sarawak’s broader vision includes becoming the ‘Battery of Asean’, supplying renewable energy across borders. Following the successful export of electricity to West Kalimantan in 2016, Sarawak is pursuing energy interconnectivity projects with Sabah, Brunei Darussalam, and long-term plans for undersea cables to Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore.
“These efforts are paving the way for an integrated Borneo Grid and, ultimately, the Asean Power Grid,” he said.
The SNEC PV exhibition, held from June 10 to 13 at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (NECC) in Shanghai, is the world’s largest and most influential solar photovoltaic trade event, featuring over 3,000 exhibitors from 95 countries.
Also present at the conference were Permanent Secretary to the Sarawak Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication, Datu Jafri Lias, and Sarawak Energy Group CEO, Datuk Sharbini Suhaili, along with other Sarawak delegates.
In his address, the Premier also extended an invitation to global energy players to participate in the upcoming Sustainability and Renewable Energy Forum (SAREF 4.0), scheduled for September 3–4 in Kuching.
With the theme ‘Partnerships for Our Goals: Sustainable Growth & Prosperity for the Region’, SAREF will serve as a platform to foster stronger regional collaboration and innovation in renewable energy across Southeast Asia. — DayakDaily
