KUCHING: Sarawak Energy has signed an agreement to collaborate on a research project with Pestech International Berhad (Pestech) through its subsidiary Pestech Energy Sdn Bhd (PEN).
The project will explore clean alternative energy solutions to replace diesel generators or other chemical-based energy storage solutions commonly used in rural electrification.
Sarawak Energy Berhad Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Sharbini Suhaili said the focus would be on how hydrogen and super-capacitors could be used to power microgrids in remote areas via sustainable distributed energy resources.
He disclosed that through this research, the solutions would be brought into rural areas in smaller parts, providing a modularised option to scale up and down based on localised power systems to meet exact energy demands while minimising wastage.
“The need to shift towards sustainable electric generation has created the opportunity for both Sarawak Energy and PEN to work together to explore into the efficient establishment of the solutions and are looking forward to a successful implementation of the Containerised Solar Hydrogen Research Project.
“This collaboration also supports Sarawak Energy’s desire to promote open innovation in our research and development works. By cultivating innovative ideas and partnering with industry experts, we believe that we will be able to develop and offer new technologies that can replace conventional practices for greater and more sustainable production,” said Sharbini.
Under the signed agreement, Sarawak Energy and PEN will conduct research, design, and develop a self-recharging autonomous hydrogen solution to be deployed at Rumah Bangau in Song over the next 15 months as an initiative to explore the potential of hydrogen storage solutions for rural electrification.
This project is also expected to be addressing the issue of battery disposal from solar-powered systems as the Sarawak government progresses its ambition to provide full electricity coverage in Sarawak by 2025.
To mark the occasion, a signing ceremony was held virtually yesterday (July 16). It was attended by Sarawak Energy Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Sharbini Suhaili, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of Pestech International Bhd Paul Lim Pay Chuan as well as senior management and staff from both corporations.
The agreement was signed by General Manager for Research and Development Dr Ng Sing Muk on behalf of Sarawak Energy while PEN was represented by its Chief Executive Officer Vind Sidhu.
In his opening remarks, Lim stated that Pestech will give full support and commitment to engage, deliver and adopt renewable energy initiatives for a sustainable energy future.
“Our goal goes beyond electrifying rural areas, but also to leave a significant impact on various aspects of the community’s lives, including providing long-term environmental and economic benefit,” he added.
