NETR aligns with state efforts in pursuing green energy, says Sarawak's Deputy Energy Minister

KUCHING: The National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) aligns with Sarawak's efforts in pursuing green energy and decarbonisation, says state Deputy Energy and Environmental Sustainability Minister.

Dr Hazland Abang Hipni said it was heartening that the roadmap acknowledged the state’s contribution to renewable energy and mitigating climate change through hydroelectric power, green hydrogen projects and carbon capture.

"Sarawak remains guided by our post-Covid-19 development strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), which is the blueprint for its transition to a developed society by 2030.

"The goals and framework set out within the NETR are very much aligned to this blueprint and are compatible with what the state has set out to accomplish," he said in a statement on Friday (July 28).

The NETR was launched by Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday (July 27), with Phase 1 containing 10 flagship catalytic initiatives, which will open up investment opportunities of RM435bil to RM1.85 trillion by 2050.

Among others, the roadmap also opens up the hydrogen gateway in Sarawak as the state implements projects to emerge as the country's hydrogen hub and puts in place the framework of carbon capture and storage (CCS) so that catalyst projects could be implemented within two years.

Dr Hazland said Sarawak was unlocking hydrocarbon reserves from the Kasawari and Lang Lebah offshore fields via the CCS projects listed in the roadmap.

"Sarawak is also in discussion for industrial CCUS (carbon capture, utilisation and storage) to decarbonise our local industries and energy systems," he said.

In addition, he said Sarawak awarded a licence for carbon trading and CCUS in March this year.

"We encourage more projects and initiatives to generate more carbon credits from Sarawak to be sold to domestic and international markets.

"The revenue from selling carbon credits will further accelerate the sustainable development projects in Sarawak," he said.

Dr Hazland also said Sarawak was developing its own energy transition policy and integrated energy roadmap towards achieving its aspirations in PCDS 2030.

He said the state welcomed more collaborations in the clean energy space and looked forward to the rollout of the NETR's second phase later this year.