BY DR VIKNESH ANDIAPPAN
“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” said John F Kennedy in his inaugural address as President of the United States of America. His key objectives were to inspire citizens to recognise the importance of taking civil action and participating in public service. Even today, this quote remains highly relevant.
The rise in global emissions has compelled us to present a similar argument as John F Kennedy did, but with a more specific focus: Ask not what your planet can do for you, ask what you can do for the planet.
As we find ourselves on the brink of a technological revolution, it becomes crucial for us to reimagine innovative energy initiatives for a sustainable future. The time has come to make a determined shift towards cleaner energy.
The rapid advancement of technology provides us with a pathway to tackle both the pressing environmental challenges and social inequalities that the world currently faces.
Sarawak sets an example in the pursuit of cleaner energy generation. The state boasts the highest deployment of renewable and clean energy in Malaysia, primarily through hydropower and solar power. These infrastructures were constructed to meet the growing demands of both rural and urban areas in the state.
Additionally, Sarawak has invested in the development of green technology, focusing on energy storage solutions, grid management and sustainable transportation. One such investment includes hydrogen technology.
The state is venturing into the hydrogen economy and has implemented several projects to drive this initiative forward. Sarawak also aspires to become a leading hydrogen supplier in the ASEAN region.
This goal will be achieved through the implementation of the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), which places renewable energy and the hydrogen economy as key areas of development for Sarawak’s future growth and sustainability.
The PCDS outlines timely strategies that align well with Malaysia’s recently formulated National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). As the nation embarks on its energy transition journey through progressive policies and roadmaps, it is essential to identify the key elements for a successful energy transition.
It is evident that this energy transition holds great potential for a cleaner and more sustainable future.
However, it is crucial to emphasise the significance of a just energy transition. A just energy transition ensures that the benefits and challenges of this transformation are fairly distributed.
In other words, it means executing the energy transition in a fair and inclusive manner without compromising the welfare of the community. The primary focus is to generate new economic opportunities on a large scale.
The clean and renewable energy sector is expected to create numerous job opportunities, ranging from manufacturing and installation to research and development. As this sector expands, it should continue to drive economic growth by attracting new businesses, both foreign and local, to invest in the state, fostering innovation and diversifying the economy. This transition is also expected to give rise to new start-up businesses offering technical solutions within the state.
Recognising that this transition may disrupt jobs in the fossil fuel sector, a just energy transition involves comprehensive support for affected workers. This includes implementing retraining and reskilling programmes to facilitate their transition into the growing clean energy workforce.
This approach minimises the negative economic impact caused by job losses in one sector and ensures a fair transition into another sector. Additionally, ensuring accessibility to clean energy is a fundamental aspect of a just transition.
Low-income households often face energy poverty, struggling to pay their energy bills and living in energy-inefficient homes. A just transition seeks to address these inequalities by making clean energy affordable and accessible to all, reducing energy costs, and lessening environmental impacts on disadvantaged communities.
Sarawak takes pride in championing this cause by dedicating efforts to rural electrification projects. These projects serve as commendable case studies for improving accessibility and affordability of clean energy nationwide.
In order to achieve a successful tech-driven energy transition, inclusive decision-making processes are crucial. It is important to actively engage with all stakeholders, including indigenous communities, workers, and environmental advocates.
Transparency and collaboration are vital to ensure that transition policies are fair and reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of society.
Policymakers, researchers, industry practitioners, and community leaders must work hand-in-hand to achieve a just energy transition.
This may involve public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives to inform citizens about the benefits of clean energy and sustainable practices. It is also an opportunity to understand the challenges faced by different communities and develop targeted solutions.
Sarawak’s energy transition initiatives go beyond sustainability; they demonstrate the state’s commitment to technological innovation, diversifying energy sources, and enhancing energy security. These efforts align with global goals to combat climate change and promote sustainable development.
While challenges lie ahead, Sarawak’s proactive approach to energy transition positions it as a leader in clean energy innovation within the region.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
