KUCHING: Singapore is keen to establish cooperation with Sarawak to develop a submarine power source cable network project.
This matter was among the agendas brought up during the visit of the Singapore Energy Market Authority (EMA) to Sarawak yesterday (Jan 20).
Deputy Energy and Environmental Sustainability Minister Dr Hazland Abang Hipni said, the collaboration involved is currently in the running process while waiting for the results of the survey on the seabed project which is expected to be completed in early November this year.
According to him, it is the future planning of the network between Sarawak and Singapore to cooperate in the empowerment of green electricity sources.
“Singapore is interested in buying some sources of electricity (hydropower) from Sarawak through a submarine cable route that will connect Kuching to Singapore.
“Now we are in the negotiation process and the first step is to carry out the project survey for about the next 10 months, after that we will continue (discussions),” he said in a press conference after the EMA Singapore courtesy call at Baitulmakmur I building here yesterday (Jan 20).
Adding on, Hazland said that the outcome of the collaboration is expected to bring huge benefits for Sarawak, hence, it will benefit both parties (Sarawak-Singapore).
Furthermore, he explained that it is also in line with Sarawak’s big plan to connect all Asian countries through the Asean Grid.
“Singapore needs that energy, they don’t have enough energy supply and also for companies.
“Besides, they need green energy and we in Sarawak can provide them with that green energy,” he said.
At the same time, he emphasised that Sarawak is improving its energy products with the latest total production amounting to about 5,800 mega volts.
He revealed that with the inclusion of Baleh Dam operation through solar in the future, Sarawak will reach at least 8,000 mega volts within a period of six to seven years.
