KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is looking to position itself as the pioneer in the country’s commercial wind energy sector, as it announces plans to start developing a 100 megawatt (MW) project in Kudat.
State-owned Sabah Energy Corporation (SEC) chief executive officer Datuk Adzmir Abd Rahman (pic) said the landmark project was part of the company’s strategic development plan designed to elevate Sabah as a leader in Malaysia’s clean energy transition.
“If it is achieved, the 100MW wind energy project in Kudat will not only be the largest but also the first of its kind in Malaysia.
“It will also serve as tangible proof of Sabah’s commitment to leading the national renewable energy agenda,” he said.
The project is expected to begin this year and, once fully operational, will significantly boost Sabah’s grid capacity, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and help lower long-term energy costs in the state, he said when contacted.
Adzmir said Sabah offered highly attractive energy investment opportunities, spanning hydro, solar and wind projects.
However, he cautioned that interested investors must possess solid technical expertise and stable financial capacity to ensure projects were delivered on schedule and constructed according to specifications.
The SEC major projects, such as the Ulu Padas Hydroelectric Project, are also set to become a key pillar in strengthening Sabah’s renewable energy landscape.
“The wind turbine project will be a historic milestone for Malaysia,” he added.
A feasibility study for the project was completed last year as part of the state’s efforts to tap into untapped renewable energy potential to reduce dependence on traditional natural gas-based energy sources.
The state also aimed to achieve 40% renewable energy in the state’s power mix by 2030, rising to 80% by 2050.
