KUCHING: In a changing business landscape that increasingly emphasises sustainability and digitalisation, the renewable energy sector continues to play a critical role in supporting other industries.
Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said, under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy that was launched last year, the renewable energy sector is tasked with maintaining at least 60% renewable energy capacity mix by 2030.
“They are tasked with reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 600,000 tons per annum via the electrification of Sarawak’s mobility fleet by 2030,” he said.
He said Sarawak also targeted to achieve more than 15 per cent income from foreign markets to position the region as Southeast Asia’s renewable energy powerhouse.
“Our aim to be ASEAN powerhouse is not a hollow hope as BIMP-EAGA is moving towards energy security in the sub-region,” he said during Sarawak Energy Vendor Awards 2021 held here Wednesday night.
Apart from that, he said, Sarawak was pursuing interconnections within the ASEAN region building upon the foundation of the successful interconnection with West Kalimantan, Indonesia, – its first step towards materialising the Borneo Grid and the ASEAN Grid.
He said to fulfil these, the renewable energy sector would continue to implement various initiatives in order to provide local businesses with participation opportunities.
He said Sarawak aspires to continue to achieve more sustainable growth and prosperity through affordable, reliable and renewable energy, assuring that the Sarawak government would provide support and promote public-private collaborations in the renewable energy value chain.
“This will ensure ample opportunities for our local vendors and contractors to engage with the energy industry,” he said.
“Therefore, I urge our local vendors to always seek opportunities to participate in development projects in the state – Sarawakians know Sarawak best; we are the best candidates to develop this beloved state,” he added.
Abang Johari said local vendors that could provide good services based on the data kept by Sarawak Energy and experience they have, as well quality of services provided to SEB, would be allowed to follow wherever SEB goes.
“Because you are the vendors and SEB has the confidence in you. Assuming, SEB goes to Kalimantan, surely SEB would want the vendors to work with them.
“The vendors can have joint venture with the Indonesian players to provide services if SEB is the equity partner in projects outside Sarawak,” he said.
He pointed out that if vendors were consistent and diligent in managing their business, they could grow bigger.
