KUCHING: Sarawak will work with two Chinese companies to look into developing floating solar on the reservoir of the Bakun hydroelectric plant (HEP).
The state Utility and Telecommunication Ministry signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with China Three Gorges International Ltd (CTGI) and Shanghai Electric Power T&D Group Co Ltd at the International Solar Photovoltaic and Smart Energy Conference (SNEC PV Expo) in Shanghai, China, on Tuesday (June 10).
The MOU sets the framework for the Sarawak government, CTGI and Shanghai Electric to jointly undertake studies and collaborate to explore the potential development of floating solar, with a capacity not exceeding 1,000MW, on the Bakun reservoir.
State Deputy Utility Minister Datuk Ibrahim Baki represented Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg to witness the MOU signing together with Shanghai mayor Gong Zheng.
Also present was a delegation from Sarawak Energy Bhd led by its group chief executive officer Datuk Sharbini Suhaili.
Delivering Abang Johari's keynote address at the event, Ibrahim said the partnership with CTGI and Shanghai Electric supported Sarawak's aim of ensuring energy security and environmental sustainability.
"Sarawak currently has a generation capacity of about 5,900MW, predominantly from renewable hydropower sources.
"By 2030, Sarawak targets a 10GW generation capacity and 15GW by 2035, with renewable sources making up over 60% of the capacity mix.
"With its vast renewable energy resources, Sarawak has the potential to become a renewable energy powerhouse of the region," he said.
The keynote address also highlighted Sarawak's growing focus on solar energy, including solar-hybrid rural electrification, hydrogen-integrated solar systems and the net energy metering scheme supporting solar adoption in housing developments.
Additionally, Sarawak's first large-scale solar installation at the Batang Ai HEP began generating power in December last year.
The 500MW floating solar farm, spanning over 190ha on the Batang Ai reservoir, also marks Sarawak's first integrated hydroelectric and solar power scheme.
"This initiative will pave the way for further development of floating solar in Sarawak at other hydropower reservoirs through privately funded investments," the Premier's address said.
