BALI: Sustainable hydropower is an essential foundation for Sarawak’s development through clean, modern and affordable energy to meet its climate goals.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said studies have indicated that Sarawak has at least 8,000MW of hydropower at high potential sites out. of which 3,452MW has been harnessed through three large dams.
He said hydropower development means that Sarawak is almost fully electrified from only 79 per cent in 2009 and the carbon emission intensity of its power grid has decreased by 73 per cent from 2010 to 2021.
“We have moved from 100 per cent fossil fuel since the 1980s to predominantly renewable hydropower in our generation mix today. This also means that we have the capability to offer the most competitive unsubsidised power tariffs in Southeast Asia and bulk power customers have made significant investments in Sarawak.
“We are now building a fourth dam which will add 1,285MW of renewable hydropower to the existing capacity before the end of this decade to meet strong demands from domestic and export customers,” he said.
He made these remarks in his speech at the opening of the 2023 World Hydropower Congress at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Centre here today.
At the same time, Abang Johari said Sarawak is at the forefront of the energy transition through renewable energy sources like water, solar and wind.
He pointed out that solar in particular has synergies with hydropower and Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) is developing a pilot 50MW floating solar farm at the Batang Ai HEP reservoir.
“This is expected to be commissioned in 2024 and it is projected to offset around 52 kilo tonnes of carbon emissions annually,” he said.
Abang Johari also shared about Sarawak embarking on the production of green ammonia, green methanol and green hydrogen which is scheduled for commercial production by 2028 through two separate ventures with Japanese and Korean investors in partnership with the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC).
“This further exemplifies our commitment to reducing carbon emissions, embracing clean energy solutions, and propelling Sarawak towards a more environmentally responsible era,” he added.
