KUCHING, Oct 25 — Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg today said the Sarawak government is focused on using its power exports to make the state into the centre of renewable energy for South-east Asia.
He said that as Malaysia’s largest renewable energy provider, Sarawak can play a key role in accelerating the region’s energy transition by sharing its resources with its neighbours.
“Sarawak’s Growth Agenda supports a resilient and sustainable energy future for a common regional prosperity,” he said in his address at a forum held in conjunction with the Singapore International Week 2022.
He said the state’s present decisions will have major implications for future generations, whose ability to lead prosperous, healthy lives depends on what we do today.
He stressed the global movement towards decarbonisation and energy transition are particularly important for Asean, as even the best-case scenario still indicates that all will face the effects of climate change to some degree.
“The science behind the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Report 2022 is unequivocal that is, climate change endangers the well-being of people and the planet.
“Delayed action will trigger the impacts of climate change so catastrophic that our world will become unrecognisable,” Abang Johari said.
He said the next few years are critical to realise a sustainable, livable future for all, adding that changing course will require immediate, ambitious and concerted efforts to slash emissions, build resilience, and conserve ecosystems.
The premier said Sarawak has immense hydropower potential, adding that an initial studies capped its estimated capacity at 20,000 megawatt (MW).
“Further studies then narrowed down our most prospective hydropower sites to 12 locations with a potential of 8,000MW of which we have developed 3,452MW with another 1,285MW due to be commissioned by 2027,” he added.
He also said the state has successfully transitioned from 92 per cent fossil fuels in 2010 to 70 per cent hydropower by 2015, complemented by thermal resources.
“This shift has decarbonised our grid emission intensity by 72 per cent between 2010 and 2020 and continues to drive our sustainable socio-economic growth in the present day,” he said.
Abang Johari said the state’s renewable hydropower will be among the main engines for achieving the climate goal of a transition from CO2-producing electricity generation to carbon-free generation.
“The lower levelised cost of energy from renewable hydropower also benefits Sarawak’s domestic, industrial, and export customers by supplying them with affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity – in fact, the most competitive in the region,” he added.
He said through the state-owned utilities company Sarawak Energy Berhad, Sarawak currently offers the lowest average unsubsidised tariffs in Southeast Asia and its electricity is primarily green.
