SYDNEY: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s goals for Sarawak’s green economy remains clear – to boost economic productivity while reducing emissions.
By embracing innovation and clean energy, he said the state government is working to ensure Sarawak builds a future that grows responsibly and serves as a model for others to follow.
“My vision for Sarawak’s future as detailed in the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 is reshaping our energy sector and driving economy growth. Sarawak’s shift to a green energy depends greatly on sustainable energy.
“Through our ambitious 102030 goal of achieving a 10-gigawatt renewable energy mix, we are actively exploring innovative methods to harness energy through hydropower potential, solar biomass, sustainable fuels and hydrogen.
“By 2032, Sarawak aspires to increase renewable energy mix to 15GW with enhanced solar energy. Hence, our 152032 goal,” he said in his keynote address at the Australia-Asean Business Forum 2024 here on Thursday (Aug 29).
Abang Johari pointed out that these efforts create a dynamic landscape for investors who are interested in sustainable and renewable energy solutions, stressing that renewable energy has emerged as a significant draw for investors who are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to a greener future.
“Alongside our goals for renewable energy, Sarawak is leading the way in the hydrogen economy within Asean. Our efforts in hydrogen show how dedicated we are to innovation and our dream of being a global leader in clean energy.
“In fact, Sarawak is a key player to Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap where we are developing a green hydrogen hub. This is possible due to our vast hydropower potential,” he added.
Abang Johari said this new and exciting economy is opening numerous opportunities for investments.
These include developing new technology like electrolysers and fuel cells to building energy storage systems and integrating use in the transport sectors.
“In my recent address at H2Poland Forum in Poznan, I stressed the critical importance of global collaboration, effective policies and relentless innovation in building a sustainable future.
“I also highlighted how green bonds and international financing are essential for speeding up the adoption of advanced climate technologies, showing that these financial tools are key to making our sustainable ambitions a reality,” he said.
The said Sarawak is not just pursuing a sustainable and green energy, but is also committed to achieving net zero emissions.
The state is making strong efforts to decarbonise high-emitting sectors.
“This is to ensure that our economic growth aligns with our responsibility to the environment. By investing in green hydrogen and clean energy, we are moving beyond traditional industries like oil, gas and timber,” he added.
