MALINAU (NORTH KALIMANTAN): Sarawak is ready to share its experience in the field of renewable energy generation with neighbouring countries beginning with the construction of the largest hydroelectric power station in Indonesia at Mentarang River.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this would be for the common benefit and goal of environment sustainability and economic development.
“With the experience of developing three existing hydro stations, Sarawak has the capability to assist,” he said during a Majlis Ramah Tamah between Sarawak and Kabupaten Malinau (a regency of North Kalimantan province in Indonesia) here on Tuesday (Feb 28).
Abang Johari and his delegation, including Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, arrived through Tarakan in North Kalimantan yesterday.
The delegation was invited by the PT KHN management which will be constructing the hydro station, located 35 kilometres from Malinau.
Sarawak, through Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), is a strategic partner for the project which will produce 1,375 MW of electricity for the industrial zones in North Kalimantan.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo is set to officiate at the ground-breaking ceremony for the approximately USD2.6 billion project today.
Construction works will begin in the first quarter of 2024 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2029 and will be fully operational by 2030.
As Malaysia’s largest potential energy source, Abang Johari said Sarawak has supplied electricity to West Kalimantan and the next step is to distribute it to Sabah and Brunei.
“I believe this project will attract more investment to North Kalimantan which will improve the economy of the region,” he said.
