KUCHING: Sarawak’s transition towards renewable energy and its focus on sustainable geoengineering reflect the state’s dedication to safeguarding and enhancing natural resources for future generations.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said this in a speech delivered by Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr. Hazland Abang Hipni at the International Association for Gondwana Research (IAGR) 2024 Convention and the 21st International Conference on Gondwana to Asia at the Waterfront Hotel here today.
As part of Sarawak’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, Awang Tengah said geoscience has been identified as a critical enabler in achieving the state’s strategic goals.
“The development of renewable energy, the protection of our natural heritage, and the exploration of green economy solutions are directly informed by geoscience research.
“This convergence of science, policy, and sustainable development is vital for creating a resilient and prosperous future for Sarawak and the global community.
“However, our aspirations extend beyond just hydropower, as we actively explore and invest in other forms of clean energy that harness the full potential of our natural resources,” he said.
Awang Tengah, who also serves as the Second Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development, highlighted Sarawak’s significant strides in the hydrogen economy, leveraging the state’s abundant hydropower resources.
“The hydrogen economy exemplifies Sarawak’s ability to combine geoscience with innovation, using geological insights to optimize water resource management and energy storage. These developments align closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 on clean energy and SDG 13 on climate action,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of geoscience in renewable energy development, noting that these initiatives require a profound understanding of geological and environmental conditions.
“The IAGR 2024 Convention and the 21st International Conference on Gondwana to Asia highlight the pivotal role of geoscience research in shaping global policies, developing practical solutions for environmental sustainability, and addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters,” he said.
Awang Tengah commended the experts presenting ground-breaking research on topics such as natural hazards, geo-energy, and sustainable resources, stressing that their discussions have the potential to influence future policies and scientific agendas for the benefit of Sarawak, Malaysia, and the global community.
“This event provides a valuable opportunity for us to come together, share knowledge, and discuss the cutting-edge geoscience research shaping the world. The theme, ‘Global Synergy for Geoscience Innovation: Uniting Continents, Advancing Knowledge’, beautifully encapsulates the spirit of collaboration needed to address global challenges such as climate change, resource management, and natural hazards,” he added.
Awang Tengah further noted that Sarawak’s Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) aligns seamlessly with the objectives of the conference, particularly its focus on geoscience innovation and global collaboration.
The event attracted 150 participants from Mexico, India, China, and Japan, among others. The conference also featured the release of the Abstract Volume of IAGR 2024, marking another milestone in advancing geoscience research
