KUCHING, Jan 19 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak government plans to establish a dedicated institution for renewable energy studies, which is expected to be opened at its wholly-owned i-CATS University College.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that the institution will later collaborate with Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros), to drive its initiatives.
“This study will be conducted at i-CATS. Why did I choose i-CATS? Because i-CATS belongs to Sarawak.
“Secondly, our deserving students will receive free education at the university. This will enable Sarawak to produce skilled experts in the fields of energy and gas,” he said.
Abang Johari, who is also the president of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), said this during the opening ceremony of the PBB Southern Zone delegates meeting, here, today.
Earlier today, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof proposed the establishment of the institution, highlighting Sarawak's position as the leading renewable energy producer in Malaysia.
He noted that Sarawak had achieved a significant milestone by reaching a 62 per cent renewable energy mix capacity last year, surpassing the 60 per cent target set in the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
“Renewable energy has been identified as a key driver of socio-economic growth, with the aim of transforming Sarawak into a high-income state by 2030.
“Recent advancements in hydrogen research in Sarawak have sparked interest from Japan and Korea, positioning Sarawak as a potential hub for the hydrogen economy in Asia,” said Fadillah, who is also the senior vice-president of PBB.
He added that, in his capacity as Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), he frequently seeks advice and guidance from Abang Johari on matters related to renewable energy.
-- BERNAMA
