By Doreen Ling
KUCHING, Oct 27: The Sarawak government has urged regional governments, industries, and financiers to work together in advancing Asean’s clean energy goals.
In delivering his keynote address at the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) 2025 today, the Premier spoke on Sarawak’s ambitious roadmap to become a regional clean energy powerhouse, anchored by sustainable hydropower and cross-border grid integration across Asean.
Abang Johari said Sarawak’s development strategy is underpinned by three key policies—the Sarawak Energy Transition Policy (SET-P), Hydrogen Economy Roadmap, and Sustainability Blueprint—all aimed at transforming the State into a high-income economy powered by renewable energy by 2030.
“Through our Sarawak Energy Transition Policy, we are charting a practical and just path toward a low-carbon, resilient economy—built on our strong hydropower foundation and expanding through renewables, hydrogen, and carbon capture.
“By 2050, this transition is projected to generate over USD130 billion in GDP, create 80,000 new jobs, and attract global investment while ensuring the benefits reach our people,” he said.
He added that Sarawak is targeting a total generation capacity of 10 gigawatts (GW) by 2030, harnessing its indigenous renewable resources through cascading run-of-river hydropower projects with an estimated 3GW potential, alongside expanded solar and gas capacities for a balanced energy mix.
Highlighting Sarawak’s innovation in renewable integration, Abang Johari said Batang Ai’s floating solar project—Malaysia’s first large-scale hydro-solar installation—achieved first power in December 2024. Additional expansions at Batang Ai, as well as feasibility studies at Bakun and Murum, are also underway.
He noted that Sarawak’s flagship Bakun Hydroelectric Plant recently received the International Hydropower Association’s (IHA) Blue Planet Prize 2025 and certification under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS), making it the largest hydropower plant in Southeast Asia to attain this recognition.
Meanwhile, he said that Singapore’s Energy Market Authority has granted conditional approval for Sarawak to export 1 gigawatt of renewable energy to Singapore—a landmark project that will soon move into implementation.
“This collaboration will enhance Singapore’s energy security while driving Sarawak’s growth and cementing our position as a regional renewable energy leader,” said Abang Johari.
He added that Sarawak is building on decades of responsible hydropower development and robust grid infrastructure, including its 275kV and 500kV transmission backbones, to enable efficient cross-border electricity flows.
Looking ahead, the Premier revealed plans for a Borneo Grid, a major step toward realising the Asean Power Grid, which will link Sarawak with Sabah, Brunei, and West Kalimantan to create a truly interconnected regional power network.
In his closing remarks, Abang Johari reiterated his call for governments, industry players, and financial institutions to strengthen collaboration in driving ASEAN’s clean energy ambitions.
“As we move forward, Sarawak remains committed to sustainable hydropower leadership and to advancing regional energy integration.
“We welcome our partners in government, industry, and finance to walk with us on this journey—to power progress, connect our economies, and secure a cleaner, brighter future for all in Asean.” — DayakDaily
