KUCHING: Sarawak will expand renewable energy and reduce coal use, says Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni at the state legislative assembly.
"Coal plays a role in ensuring grid stability and a reliable power supply.
"Nevertheless, Sarawak has taken clear steps to reduce its dependence on coal," he told See Chee How (IND-Batu Lintang) during question time on Tuesday (May 12).
Balingian coal-fired power plant, commissioned in 2019, will be the last coal-fired project in Sarawak for the foreseeable future, and plans are underway to progressively retire ageing coal plants," he added.
Hazland said Sarawak Energy works with Petroleum Sarawak under the Sarawak Gas Roadmap. He said the state is also developing hydrogen projects, including the Kuching low-carbon gas hub and Sarawak Petchem's methanol project.
Hazland said the Kuching Urban Transportation System will use hydrogen-powered Autonomous Rapid Transit vehicles and feeder buses. He said hydrogen demand will reach one tonne a day by next year's first quarter and two tonnes a day by 2029.
