KUCHING (Nov 10): Sarawak has set a goal of quadrupling its renewable energy generation capacity to 15 gigawatts (GW) by 2035, which reinforces its prominent role in Southeast Asia’s renewable power production sector.

Cited by Nikkei Asia, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg was quoted to have said that the policy was part of his commitment to leveraging natural resources and strategic policies to drive regional growth.

“We need a long-term policy right up to 2035, even though our domestic need is much less.

“This surplus can be shared with our partners, and by 2035, we hope to increase production up to 15 GW, creating the right power mix for our neighbours,” he had told Nikkei Asia on the side-lines of the recent World Energy Council meeting and Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition Conference (ADIPEC) in the United Arab Emirates.

According to the Nikkei Asia report, Sarawak’s energy generation capacity is currently at 5.7 GW, of which 62 per cent is provided by hydropower through the Batang Ai, Bakun and Murum dams, while gas accounts for 21 per cent, coal (16 per cent), diesel (1 per cent), as alternative energy such as biomass, solar hybrid and micro-hydro plants contributes to less than 1 per cent.

Abang Johari was also quoted to have said that Sarawak has leveraged its tropical advantage with abundant rivers, adding that the state’s excess clean energy is shared through the Borneo Grid with Indonesia and Brunei.

Meanwhile, the report also stated that Sarawak is in discussions to supply up to 1 GW of renewable energy to Singapore by 2031.

The project, involving Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) and Singapore’s Sembcorp Industries, includes a 700-kilometer undersea high-voltage cable, with Singapore handling construction over six to seven years.

Financing for the project is under negotiation, with Keppel Corporation expressing interest.

Additionally, the report said Sarawak is eyeing power supply to Johor, driven by industrial growth and demands for data centres.

“There is a common zone between Johor and Singapore, and they have engaged with us on power supply,” Abang Johari said as cited in the report, emphasising Sarawak’s potential role in Malaysia’s energy network.

It also mentioned that Sarawak’s partnerships include collaboration with Abu Dhabi’s Masdar to develop floating solar panels capable of producing up to 1 GW.

This project, along with other initiatives, positions Sarawak to meet energy demands and contribute to climate change mitigation.

Masdar, also known as the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, is a leading renewable energy firm specialising in solar, wind and green hydrogen projects.

In Sarawak, Masdar is working with SEB and Gentari, a subsidiary of Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), to explore the feasibility of installing a floating solar project at the Murum Hydroelectric Plant, targeting up to 1 GW.

Abang Johari described the possibility of producing 1 GW from our floating solar as a ‘breakthrough’, as the largest current project in China produces approximately 320 megawatts.

Sarawak Energy, the state-owned energy company, on Thursday also became the first Southeast Asian global patron of the World Energy Council, a century-old membership organisation that promotes leadership and sustainability in the sector.

Meanwhile, Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (ASLI) chief executive Danial Rahman had remarked to Nikkei Asia that the 15 GW target was ‘ambitious but very possible’ to achieve.

He had noted that the growing regional demand meant that there should be plenty of customers for its excess power.

“Sarawak does have to keep an eye on local energy access as some areas still have electricity stability challenges, and hydro does have a detrimental impact on the environment and local communities,” he had said, adding that the key challenge was whether Sarawak would be able to nurture the right talent and attract sufficient investment for these ambitions.