KUCHING, Jan 21: Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Dr Hazland Abang Hipni has revealed that Singapore is keen to buy hydro-powered energy from Sarawak through its connecting undersea cable.
“This will enable the electrical power to go through an interconnector between Kuching to Singapore.
“Now we (Sarawak and Singapore government) are in the process of negotiations and in early preparation on the deal. The first step is to survey the undersea cable project for a couple of months, probably almost ten months. Then we will be able to proceed further,” he said.
“This is a very good collaboration between Singapore and Sarawak since we are rich in green energy. Our electricity, as you know, is green because it is from hydro-powered electricity,” he added.
Hazland revealed this at a press conference in his office after the courtesy call from the Energy Market Authority (EMA) of Singapore yesterday.
He shared with EMA that Sarawak has four huge hydro dams – Batang Ai, Bakun, Murum and Balleh (under construction), and has a very Bright future for the hydro-powered industry in the region.
“It is also in line with the ASEAN grids, and there is a plan to interconnect all the ASEAN grids where Sarawak could be the main player in this region,” he added.
Hazland opined that the deal will be very good for both countries, and will bring lucrative revenue for Sarawak.
“‘The deal is good for Singapore and their industry because the island nation does not have enough power. The country is in need of green energy which Sarawak is enable to supply,” he stressed.
According to Hazland, Sarawak is increasing its energy production levels from its current rate of 5,800 megawatts.
“With the Balleh Dan coming in, and with future energy projects, we would be able to achieve more than 8,000 megawatts.
EMA chief executive Ngiam Shih Chun chipped in to say that the discussion on the collaboration of buying green energy reflects a strong relationship between Sarawak and Singapore.
“This is a very important project for Singapore as the whole world is committed to zero carbon emissions, and this helps us to decarbonise our power system and industries.
“It is a very good opportunity for Sarawak to work with Singapore and to help and enable decarbonisation to take place and to further develop renewal energy resources as well in Sarawak,” he said. — DayakDaily
