KUCHING (Aug 29): Sarawak aspires to achieve a 10-gigawatt renewable energy mix by 2030 amid its shift to a green economy that heavily depends on sustainable energy, said the Premier.

Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak is actively exploring innovative methods to harness energy through hydropower potential, solar, biomass, sustainable fuels, and hydrogen.

“These efforts create a dynamic landscape for investors interested in sustainable and renewable energy solutions,” he said in his keynote address at the Asean Business Forum 2024 in Sydney, Australia today.

“Moreover, renewable energy has emerged as a significant draw for investors who are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to a greener future.”

Abang Johari pointed out that Sarawak is leading the way in the hydrogen economy within Asean alongside the state’s goals for renewable energy.

“Our efforts in hydrogen show how dedicated we are to innovation and our dream of being a global leader in clean energy. Sarawak is a key player to Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap, developing a green hydrogen hub.

“This is possible due to our vast hydropower potential. This new and exciting economy opens up numerous opportunities for investment, from developing new technology like electrolysers and fuel cells to building energy storage systems and integrating use in the transport sectors,” he said.

He shared that during his recent address at the H2Poland Forum in Poznan, he had emphasised the critical importance of global collaboration, effective policies, and relentless innovation in building a sustainable future.

The Premier said he had also highlighted how green bonds and international financing were essential for speeding up the adoption of advanced climate technologies, showing that these financial tools were key to making Sarawak’s sustainable ambitions a reality.

Sarawak is not just pursuing sustainable energy and a green economy but also committed to achieving net zero emissions, he said.

“We are making strong efforts to decarbonise high-emitting sectors, ensuring that our economic growth aligns with our responsibility to the environment.

“By investing in green hydrogen and clean energy, we are moving beyond traditional industries like oil, gas, and timber. My goal is clear – to boost economic productivity while reducing emissions,” he said.

By embracing innovation and clean energy, he said Sarawak is working to build a future that grows responsibly and serves as a model for others to follow.

He added that Sarawak is making significant strides in Southeast Asia when it comes to Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) technology.

“We were also the first in Malaysia to pass laws that support CCUS and other carbon-related activities. This demonstrates our strong commitment to achieving our net zero emissions goal and sets a benchmark for others to follow,” he said.

In addition, Abang Johari said Sarawak aims to have solar energy make up 12 per cent of its total capacity mix by 2030.

He said this will not only help the state reduce its carbon footprint but also contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sector.

“Our hydropower provides clean, reliable energy, supporting local industries and enabling us to export surplus power. Since 2010, we’ve reduced our grid emissions by 73 per cent, showcasing our dedication to achieving net zero and advancing green economy,” he added.

He said he is committed to reshaping Sarawak’s energy sector and driving economic growth, and this progress had earned Sarawak recognition as a high-income state by the World Bank.

“I am thrilled to share that the World Bank has officially classified Sarawak as a high-income economy, with a Gross National Income (GNI) per capita approximately US$18,000 (RM77,742),” he said.

From groundbreaking advances in CCUS to ambitious goals for renewable energy and major reductions in emissions, Abang Johari said Sarawak is at the forefront of the regional green transition.

He said the transition is essential for Sarawak to achieve its net zero goal.

“As we move ahead, we need to decouple our economic growth from environmental impacts, while ensuring that the growth is inclusive and distributed.

“We cannot do this alone. I invite all of you to strengthen the Australia-Asean partnership with us in innovation and economic collaboration. Let us continue to innovate, collaborate, and strive towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for Sarawak, Asean, and beyond,” he added.