KUCHING: Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) continues to build understanding of its operations and way forward in supporting Sarawak’s development agenda among international players in the energy sector at the Innovation Power Summit in Kuala Lumpur recently.
The corporation’s Group Chief Executive Officer Sharbini Suhaili was among the list of distinguished speakers which included Minister of Public Utilities, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom and Secretary General for the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water Dato Seri Ir Dr Zaini Ujang.
On the second day of the conference Executive Vice President for SEB Power Sdn Bhd, James Ung also presented. His presentation was entitled ‘Power Generation in Sarawak’.
Sharbini spoke about providing energy for Sarawak’s economic growth during his presentation, “Delivering Reliable Power through Sustainable Energy Development”.
Focusing on sustainable, renewable hydropower development, he highlighted the demand-supply scenario from 1985 when Batang Ai, Sarawak’s first hydroelectric plant came into operation right up to 2025 which combines energy produced from current power plants and from future projects.
“If you look at the energy generation in the past, it was mostly dominated by diesel and gas but today because of Bakun and Murum HEPs coming online, we are currently at 75 per cent hydro in our generation mix,” he said.
Amongst the benefits of hydropower development has been Sarawak Energy’s ability to maintain Sarawak’s position of having the lowest tariffs for its domestic, commercial and bulk industrial customers.
Sharbini also spoke of Sarawak Energy’s efforts on regional interconnectionswith first export of energy to Western Kalimantan early last year and alsoto establish interconnections to Sabah and Brunei soon.
While the corporation is operationally strong, he emphasised that it was not all about growing the business and adding profits. He reiterated on Sarawak Energy’s commitment towards sustainability and social investment efforts that looks into the best interest of communities directly affected by its projects.
“Developing long-term comprehensive plans with affected communities to address their needs is an integral part of Sarawak Energy’s corporate social responsibility,” he concluded.
