THE state government has initiated the drafting of Energy Transition Policy for Sarawak.
Minister of Finance and New Economy Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the policy aims to ensure the state and its people have safe, clean, affordable, and efficient energy that is secure and reliable.
He said clean energy is a critical component of the Energy Transition Policy.
“Sarawak has abundant renewable energy resources such as hydropower, solar and possibly wind. These resources can be used to generate clean and affordable electricity which can help to reduce Sarawak’s reliance on fossil and mitigate climate change.
“I have requested Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) to come up with a Renewable Energy Plan and expedite the implementation of renewable energy projects,” he said when tabling the Supply (2024) Bill on the first day of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
Abang Johari stressed that Sarawak is committed to reducing emissions and delivering its net zero targets in a pro-business and pro-growth way in line with Malaysia’s commitment towards carbon neutrality as early as 2050.
He said the state government will allocate RM2 million next year for the formulation of the Sarawak Net Zero Strategy and Carbon Plan to develop a roadmap for Sarawak to achieve the net zero target by 2050.
“This includes policies for the carbon market and trading that are internationally recognised,” he said.
In addition to renewable energy, Abang Johari said the Just Energy Transition Policy will promote the development of green hydrogen, bioenergy as well as carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS).
“These technologies can help to decarbonise Sarawak’s energy sector and to achieve the state’s long-term climate goals,” he said.
