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By Shikin Louis KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26: Sarawak’s hydropower potential alone could reach up to 24 gigawatts (GW), far exceeding its current renewable energy target and reinforcing its position as a major clean energy producer in the region. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak is targeting to produce 10GW of renewable energy by 2030, mainly from hydropower. At present, about 70 per cent of the State’s electricity generation comes from hydro, supported by five operational dams producing roughly 7 gigawatts, while the remaining 30 per cent comes from low-carbon gas turbines. “Apart from that, we (Sarawak) have many rivers, and they can produce energy through cascading dams, which do not require submerging landmass. It is the power of gravity that produces another form of renewable energy. “With that sort of resources that we have, our target can be more than what we have set. The potential for hydropower only for Sarawak is 24 gigawatts,” he said when speaking during ‘Energy Transition and the Asean Power Grid – Connecting Markets, Securing Futures’ panel discussion held in conjunction with Asean Business and Investment Summit (ABIS) 2025 at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here today. He further explained that beyond hydro, Sarawak is broadening its renewable portfolio through floating and elevated solar systems as well as biomass energy using biochar feedstock, which will support the transition away from coal. With such vast energy resources in the future, Abang Johari said Sarawak will be in a position to share its clean energy with neighbouring countries in the Asean region. “Now we are sharing our power with West Kalimantan, Indonesia, at 300 megawatts (MW). And with ADB’s (Asian Development Bank) upgrading of infrastructure, particularly the grid, which must be continuous, I think we can increase the supply to our friends in Indonesia,” he said. Sarawak is also supplying 100MW of electricity to Sabah, while arrangements are being made to export another 100 to 150 megawatts to Brunei Darussalam. He added that discussions are also ongoing with Singapore, which has shown interest in importing 1GW of green energy from Sarawak. “We are now talking about an interconnection between Sarawak and Singapore. I think that will form part of the loop for the Asean grid. “The Prime Minister has also asked us to look into the possibility of connecting Sabah towards the southern Philippines. “If this happens, by 2030 or 2035, we will be able to supply our surplus power to our neighbours,” he emphasised. Moderated by Asean Centre for Energy executive director Dato Abdul Razib Dawood, the discussion also featured three other panellists, namely ADB’s Southeast Asia Department director-general Winfried Wicklein, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) president and chief executive officer Datuk Megat Jalaluddin Megat Hassan and Vietnam National Industry-Energy Group vice president Le Manh Cuong. – DayakDaily
