Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg (left) viewing an exhibition on the Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint at the Sarawak Sustainability Insights conference in Kuching on Tuesday (Oct 29). - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: Sarawak is exploring ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) as a potential new source of renewable energy, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
The Premier said the state Economic Planning Unit (EPU) will conduct a study off the coast of Miri, where the conditions look suitable.
"The study will take one to one-and-a-half years. We already have some data which looks promising, so we are proceeding with the study," he told a press conference after opening the Sarawak Sustainability Insights conference here on Tuesday (Oct 29).
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OTEC harnesses the temperature differences between warm ocean surface waters and colder deep waters to power a turbine to produce energy.
According to Abang Johari, the waters off Miri have the right depth for OTEC potential.
"The water above is warm from the sun while below there is cold water and a turbine can be placed in the middle.
"If this works out, we will be able to increase our production of green energy," he said.
Abang Johari also said Sarawak was taking steps to produce green energy in line with its sustainability goals.
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He said the state government had come up with the Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint as a foundation for balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.
"The blueprint has 10 strategic thrusts across different economic sectors to align our development with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
"It covers how we manage our resources, the impact on our communities, and developing our economy sustainably," he said.
The strategic thrusts are energy transition, sustainable agriculture and food security, green mobility, circular economy, sustainable manufacturing, sustainable and responsible mining, protection and enhancement of natural assets, sustainable cities, community development and ecotourism.
In his speech earlier, Abang Johari said the blueprint addressed current environmental challenges while anticipating future needs related to climate resilience and green economy.
Under energy transition, he said Sarawak would use clean energy sources to reduce its carbon footprint.
He said the state government was also preparing a sub-policy on energy efficiency to achieve sustainable power consumption.
