By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Oct 10: Sarawak is accelerating and expanding its renewable energy efforts with an ambitious goal to achieve 15 gigawatts (GW) of capacity by 2035, driving its green economy and vision for net-zero emissions.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised that the foundation of Sarawak’s economic transformation lies in its dedication to renewable energy.
“With our substantial hydropower capacity, Sarawak already leads the region in clean energy production.
“This strategic expansion will position Sarawak as a regional green energy powerhouse, enabling us to export sustainable power to neighboring countries, including Singapore, Indonesia, and beyond,” he said in his keynote address at the Sarawak Future Forum 2024, held at a local hotel today.
With Sarawak aiming to double its gross domestic product (GDP) from RM136 billion in 2019 to RM282 billion by 2030 and create 195,000 new jobs, Abang Johari pointed out that the green economy is at the heart of this growth, supported by the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
In line with its green initiatives, he highlighted Sarawak’s adoption of a circular economy model, which focuses on minimising waste and maximising resource efficiency.
“Sarawak is reducing reliance on finite resources while fostering sustainable practices across sectors by implementing strategies such as utilising agricultural residues for bioenergy. This commitment to recycling, reusing, and repurposing materials further reinforces Sarawak’s leadership in transitioning to a low-carbon economy,” he explained.
Sarawak’s clean energy strategy also prioritises green hydrogen production, positioning the region to become a major exporter, particularly to South Korea and Japan, aligning with their national net-zero goals.
“It is zero-emissions fuel with potential to decarbonise hard-to-abate industries. Furthermore, Sarawak is developing a robust hydrogen transportation and storage infrastructure, allowing for seamless export to international markets.
“By leveraging our geographical advantage and proximity to key Asian economies, Sarawak can become a major supplier of clean hydrogen, further diversifying our economy,” he added.
Complementing this focus, Abang Johari also touched on exploration of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), derived from alternative feedstocks like microalgae, to reduce carbon emissions in air travel.
He noted that investments in both hydrogen and SAF are set to broaden Sarawak’s clean energy portfolio and enhance its role in the global decarbonisation efforts.
“Sarawak is enhancing its international shipping capabilities with green bunkering facilities to provide low-emission fuel options. These initiatives promote cleaner shipping practices and contribute to the region’s environmental goals.
“Carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) technology supports the commitment to a low-carbon economy, which captures CO2 emissions from industrial processes. This aligns with Sarawak’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050,” he added.
The Forum, organised by the Sarawak Centre of Performance Excellence (SCOPE) and the Leadership Institute of Sarawak Civil Service (LISCS), is themed “Beyond GDP: Rethinking Success in the Future Economy.”
The event features Nobel Prize-winning economist Professor Joseph Stiglitz, CNN’s former presenter Andrew Stevens, Malaysian artist Red Hong Yi, and author of The Trillion Dollar Shift Marga Hoek, among others.
The forum brings together global experts, thought leaders, and practitioners from various fields to explore sustainable economic development strategies and opportunities for Sarawak as it advances toward 2030 and beyond.
Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, and Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Datu Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel were present. — DayakDaily
