KUCHING, Oct 19 — Sarawak aims for an electricity generation capacity of 15,000 megawatts (MW) by 2035, with at least 60 per cent coming from renewable energy sources.

Sarawak Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said that to achieve this target, three major projects with a total capacity of 3,285 MW are currently being implemented: the Baleh hydroelectric project, the Samalaju Combined Cycle Power Plant (CCPP), and the Miri Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT).

“The Baleh hydroelectric plant, with a capacity of 1,285 MW, is expected to operate in the fourth quarter of 2029. The Samalaju CCPP, with a capacity of 1,500 MW, is scheduled to operate in phases, with Blocks 1 and 2 having a total capacity of 1,000 MW expected to operate in the second quarter of 2027, while Block 3 with a capacity of 500 MW is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.

“The Miri CCGT, with a capacity of 500 MW, has now achieved 63 percent physical progress and is expected to start operating in the fourth quarter of 2027,” he said.

Julaihi said this when winding up the debate for his ministry at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here, today.

Meanwhile, Julaihi said Sarawak continues to strengthen its role as the Battery of Asean through the development of the Borneo Power Grid and the Asean Power Grid.

“Currently, Sarawak exports an average of 100 MW to West Kalimantan and 30 MW to Sabah. The government is also planning electricity exports to Brunei of at least 30 MW, Singapore of not exceeding 1,000 MW, and Peninsular Malaysia of not less than 1,000 MW.

“The interconnection project to Brunei is still in negotiations and feasibility studies, Singapore is in the submarine cable survey study stage, while Peninsular Malaysia is in early discussions,” he said. — Bernama