SINGAPORE: Sarawak is exploring opportunities for low-carbon hydrogen production to develop a hydrogen economy.
In stating this, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state’s focus is to establish Sarawak as a regional hub and powerhouse for renewable energy through power exports.
“By 2030, Sarawak plans to achieve three targets and that is to maintain at least 60 per cent of renewable energy capacity mix, with renewable hydropower at its core and an increase in alternative renewable energy resources.
“The second target is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 600,000 tons per annum by electrifying Sarawak’s mobility fleet.
“Thirdly, is to achieve more than 15 per cent income from foreign markets, which includes pursuing power exports,” he said.
He said this during the Singapore Energy Summit in conjunction with Singapore International Week (SIEW) at Marina Bay Sands here on Tuesday (Oct 25).
Abang Johari, who is also Minister of Finance and New Economy said the Covid-19 pandemic was a challenging time where economies worldwide went into recession and people experienced disruptions to the market and global supply chain.
In contrast, he stressed renewables demonstrated resilience and growth during the pandemic and continue to play a key role in driving green and sustainable economic recovery.
“Renewable energy’s share in Asean’s Total Primary Energy Supply rose by 0.7 per cent in 2020 based on the report of Impact on Energy Sector Development in the Southeast Asia Region.
“Based on last year’s Asean Power Updates Report, around 82 per cent of new capacity in Asean was renewable in 2020.
“We were largely shielded from all of this as a result of the predominance of hydropower in our generation mix, with indigenous thermal resources providing added stability and security,” he said.
To further accelerate Sarawak’s Green Energy Agenda, he said Sarawak is the first in the region to generate power from wind.
“We are witnessing progressive growth in the wind industry, beginning with technical innovation that includes advancement and sophistication of instruments and materials to transform wind to electricity,” he said.
He added that it is observed that countries within Asean are re-examining and driving their own energy transitions as part of the global climate action in addressing the energy trilemma.
“However, to truly succeed, we must work together collaboratively across all stakeholder groups so we can achieve a resilient and sustainable energy future for Asean,” said Abang Johari.
