KUCHING, June 22 ― The Sarawak government aspires to have fully sustainable public transportation options here, powered by either hydrogen or electricity, by 2030, said the premier.
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this is part of the government’s commitment towards renewable energy and to promote a smart city concept through the utilisation of digital technologies.
“By 2030, I think almost all of our public transportation will be either on hydrogen or electric vehicles (EV). Hopefully, Kuching will be clean without carbon,” he said at the Shape the World Summit 2023 gala dinner here last night.
Abang Johari said the state government is also adopting other forms of renewable energy such as solar and wind power, as well as hydroelectricity, via public-private cooperation.
Citing an example, he said the state government is working with Shell, a multinational British oil and gas company, to generate power for an offshore platform located in the South China Sea via solar and wind energy.
He said the state government is already implementing a floating solar farm project at Batang Ai Dam, where the solar energy produced will complement hydropower generated and channel electricity back to the grid.
“In other words, what I am sharing are the solutions to climate change. We’ve got hydropower, solar, and wind energy, and of course, the supply of natural resources,” he told the attendees consisting of over 300 global industry leaders in the environmental sustainability sector.
Abang Johari pointed out Sarawak enjoys a comparative advantage in view of its huge landmass and supply of renewable energy, particularly with the existing energy mix in the state comprising 70 per cent hydroelectricity.
He stressed the state government is committed to a sustainable future, especially with the formulation of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, which emphasises economic prosperity, social inclusivity, and environmental sustainability. ― Borneo Post
