KUCHING: Sarawak now has sufficient electricity generation capacity to meet domestic needs, including supply to rural areas.
Sarawak Utilities and Telecommunications Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said currently, its total capacity stands at 5,898 megawatts (MW) compared to the current demand of 4,887MW.
He said this capacity has enabled Sarawak to plan energy generation strategically for the future, including targeting an electricity supply capacity of 10,000MW by 2030 to meet a projected demand increase of 7,074MW.
“By 2035, Sarawak has set a target of achieving a generation capacity of 15,000MW through various energy sources, including renewable energy such as solar, cascading power sources and pumped hydro energy storage systems.
“As part of the efforts towards establishing the Borneo Power Grid and the Asean Power Grid, we are also intensifying cross-border energy exports to realise our vision as the Battery of Asean,” he said during the winding-up session for his ministry at the state assembly sitting yesterday, Bernama reported.
Julaihi said among the additional renewable energy potentials being considered are large-scale solar farms and pumped hydro energy storage systems.
“Several private companies have also submitted proposals for renewable energy generation projects, which are currently in the feasibility study stage at locations such as Bengoh, Batang Ai, Bakun and Murum dams.
“For cascading energy sources, the ministry and Sarawak Energy have held 24 engagement sessions with the communities involved in the Sungai Gaat and Sungai Tutoh areas, including the implementation of the Muja Menua ceremony in Sungai Gaat on April 4 as part of an inclusive approach with the local community,” he said.
Julaihi also said that to date, Sarawak has exported around 100MW of energy to west Kalimantan since 2016 while exports to Sabah are expected to begin in the fourth quarter this year with a total of between 30MW and 50MW.
“Plans are being made to export about 1,000MW of energy to Peninsular Malaysia and up to 1,000MW to Singapore and Brunei,” he said.
The move, he added, is expected to strengthen Sarawak’s position as a leader in sustainable energy in the region and support Asean’s aspirations for a green and clean energy transition.
