KUCHING: Sarawak does not need to consider nuclear power as the state is rich in other energy sources, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
The Sarawak Premier said the state had hydropower, combined cycle gas turbines as well as solar power.
"From the energy sources we have, I feel that Sarawak does not need nuclear power.
"Instead we can be a hub for renewable energy. This is why we are targeting to produce 10GW of energy by 2030 and 15GW by 2035," he told reporters after launching the International Energy Week (IEW) summit here on Tuesday (July 15).
Abang Johari was asked to comment on the Federal Government's consideration of nuclear power for Malaysia's future energy mix.
Last month, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said nuclear power was being considered to address current limitations in base load energy supply and to reduce dependence on coal and gas.
He also said the government must first undertake a thorough study of nuclear technology, including public engagement efforts.
Abang Johari said the situation in Sarawak was different from Peninsular Malaysia, which needed renewable alternatives to coal.
"I understand that Peninsular Malaysia is looking for options and one of them is nuclear.
"But Sarawak is a renewable energy hub, so it is irrelevant for us to talk about nuclear energy at this point," he said.
Earlier, in a dialogue during the launch ceremony, Abang Johari said Sarawak needed a skilled workforce to achieve its vision of becoming a clean energy leader.
He said the challenge for the state was to produce technologists in the relevant fields.
"That is why the Sarawak government is giving free tertiary education to all Sarawakians in Sarawak, meaning this is the place for us to produce the technologists.
"And we are looking at all disciplines, including aerospace," he said.
