Sarawak Exceeds Renewable Energy Targets, Achieving 62 Pct Capacity Mix - Premier

By Nur Ashikin Abdul Aziz

SINGAPORE, Oct 21 (Bernama) -- Sarawak has exceeded its renewable energy (RE) capacity mix target outlined in the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, achieving 62 per cent this year, surpassing the 60 per cent target set for 2030.

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said PCDS 2030 was introduced in 2021, with RE identified as a key enabler of socio-economic growth, aiming to transform Sarawak into a high-income society by 2030.

"Hydropower has been instrumental in reducing Sarawak's grid emissions by 73 per cent between 2010 and 2022.

"It has also accelerated rural electrification and fostered inclusive development, enabling us to power our progress through clean energy sources," he said in a keynote address at the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) Summit today.

Under PCDS 2030, Sarawak aimed to maintain at least 60 per cent of its RE capacity mix and generate 15 per cent of RE sector income from foreign markets by 2030.

Abang Johari emphasised that hydropower currently accounts for about 70 per cent of Sarawak's electricity generation mix.

The premier also highlighted that the state's achievements in hydropower have enabled innovations, such as the development of Malaysia’s largest floating solar farm at Batang Ai, spanning 86 hectares, which will offset 52 kilotonnes of carbon emissions annually.

Additionally, Sarawak is exploring Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PHES), which, when paired with floating solar, will leverage the state's abundant sunlight and existing hydropower infrastructure to enhance the state's energy security.

Abang Johari further noted that Sarawak is advancing in biomass power generation and microalgae cultivation, including harnessing Napier grass as a renewable bioenergy source.

He added that Napier grass pellets produced at a Bintulu plant are currently being exported to the United Kingdom, showcasing their potential in global energy markets.

On the oil and gas front (O&G), Abang Johari said that the Sarawak government's subsidiary, Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros), discussions with Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) are still ongoing concerning the supervision of O&G trading in the state.

"There are no major issues, only some technical arrangements between Petros and Petronas. We have reached a certain arrangement on most matters, and the remaining technical issues are currently being discussed," he told a press conference.

-- BERNAMA