KUCHING: Norway is keen to work with the Sarawak government to explore new energy.
The Norwegian government is interested in seeking opportunities for such cooperation as Sarawak is committed in exploring new energy to achieve its vision of becoming a developed state by 2030.
Its Ambassador to Malaysia, Morten Paulsen, expressed interest when leading a Norwegian delegation during a courtesy call on Energy and Environmental Sustainability Deputy Minister, Dr Hazland Abang Hipni at his office in the Baitulmakmur Building here on Wednesday (Jan 4).
Dr Hazland pointed out that the state government’s policy of promoting green energy and technology to make the state an attractive investment destination also attracted the Norwegian government’s interest.
“The Norwegian Ambassador also admired and expressed his country’s interest in the implementation of carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) in Sarawak.
“Sarawak has potential in this CCUS since the state has vast areas and its geological structure is suitable for storing carbon dioxide.
“Through this CCUS industry, we will also encourage the development of carbon dioxide gas in Sarawak to guarantee energy security, provide local job opportunities through green industry, and provide a source of income for the state,” he said in a statement yesterday (Jan 5).
For that, he added, the Norwegian government is ready to help the Sarawak government make this CCUS a success by providing and supplying advanced up-to-date technology that enables a balance between the amount of greenhouse gases produced and the amount released from the atmosphere.
Also present were the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Sarawak (MEESty) Abg Ahmad Abg Morni, MEESty deputy permanent secretary Rusmaliza Mat Darus, MEESty officers and representatives from Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS), Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) and Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB).
Earlier the delegation also paid a courtesy call on Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg at his office at Wisma Bapa Malaysia, Petra Jaya here.
