Sarawak Ready To Share Energy Surplus With Other ASEAN Countries

KUCHING, June 16 (Bernama) -- Sarawak is ready to play a pivotal role in ASEAN’s energy future, by offering its substantial surplus of renewable and low-carbon energy with neighbouring countries, said Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said Sarawak has an ambitious plan to increase its power supply to 10 gigawatts by 2030, while maintaining a strong focus on renewable sources, with up to 70 per cent from hydropower. 

This expansion, according to him, includes the ongoing construction of 1.5 gigawatts of gas turbine capacity in Bintulu and Miri and a new 1.2 gigawatt hydroelectric plant.

"If we have a surplus of power, we will share with our brothers and sisters in ASEAN," he told delegates of the 43rd ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME) at a welcoming dinner here, tonight.

He said in addressing the global challenge of climate change, Sarawak is taking a proactive approach to adopt alternative energy sources, with one of its key initiatives in developing its hydrogen production potential. 

"Sarawak is trying its best to use the resources that we have and to adopt new technology to produce a substitute to hydrocarbon," Abang Johari said. 

He said the state is collaborating with partners like Japan and Korea to produce hydrogen from its abundant water resources through electrolysis. 

While acknowledging the current cost challenges, he expressed his optimism that advancements in technology will make hydrogen production more feasible over time. 

-- BERNAMA