By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Jan 13: Sarawak plans to increase electricity exports to Sabah and Brunei by leveraging its Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) facilities in Miri and Bintulu.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak has reached an initial agreement with Sabah to supply 50 megawatts (MW) of electricity, with the neighbouring State expressing interest to increase this to 100MW.
“Thus, we are looking at our ability from the point of view of energy output,” he said when met by reporters after delivering his keynote address at the Majlis Amanat Perdana held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
Regarding Brunei, he mentioned that discussions are ongoing about energy supply.
The RM2 billion Miri CCGT Power Plant, slated for operation by 2027, will utilise a groundbreaking hydrogen-natural gas blend of 30 per cent hydrogen and 70 per cent natural gas to generate 500MW of electricity.
The Miri CCGT plant will add to three more CCGT plants in Bintulu, each contributing 500MW. By 2027, Sarawak is projected to generate 2,000MW of electricity.
By 2030, with contributions from floating solar projects and other renewable energy sources, Sarawak aims to achieve a total electricity generation capacity of 10 gigawatts (GW) or 10,000MW, ensuring sufficient supply for both domestic needs and regional exports.
In addition to Sabah and Brunei, Abang Johari mentioned that Sarawak continues to export electricity to West Kalimantan, Indonesia, and holds a 25 per cent stake in a hydroelectric project in East Kalimantan.
“This joint venture with Indonesia is part of our contribution to the ASEAN Grid initiative,” he noted.
The Premier also discussed the future of energy technology, highlighting the potential of methylcyclohexane (MCH) derived from hydrogen and the continued development of alternative energy sources, including LNG and nuclear technology.
He emphasised that advancements in these areas could position Sarawak as a key producer of cutting-edge energy solutions.
“Within five years, there is a possibility of new technology that will transform the energy landscape. If we can harness this technology, Sarawak can become a leading producer in the region,” he said. – DayakDaily
