KUCHING, Oct 31: The 2023 World Hydropower Congress (WHC) significantly elevated Sarawak’s global recognition in the renewable energy sector.
Sarawak Energy Group’s chief executive officer CEO Datuk Sharbini Suhaili highlighted the event’s significance, which saw the participation of Indonesian President Joko Widodo, as a testament to Sarawak’s dedicated strides in hydropower development.
“It is a great honour for the Premier of Sarawak (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) to be on the same stage as the President of Indonesia to share about Sarawak’s transition towards hydro energy and our efforts and commitment towards green energy and sustainable future.
“Given Sarawak’s abundant hydro energy potential, Sarawak can explore other renewable energy sources such as solar, hydrogen and so on,” he told TVS during the WHC 2023 in Bali, Indonesia today.
At the Congress, Sharbini also shared about Sarawak Energy’s achievements and pivotal role in advancing the hydropower sector in Sarawak that has enabled the State to reduce grid carbon emissions by 72 per cent over the past 13 years since 2010.
“Sarawak Energy has developed several hydropower projects that enable us to transition and increase Sarawak’s generation mix from 92 per cent hydrocarbons in 2010 to 70 per cent renewable hydropower in 2015,” he explained.
Sharbini also stressed the importance of resource-sharing, specifically sharing energy with neighbouring nations by exporting hydropower.
He outlined Sarawak’s intention to spearhead the Borneo grid’s development, linking it to regional grids for energy export to West Kalimantan, Sabah, Brunei, and Singapore.
“We aspire for regional interconnectivity where Sarawak can offer renewable energy to our neighbouring countries. This collaborative effort will also facilitate their transition toward a more environmentally sustainable economy,” Sharbini affirmed. — DayakDaily
