Premier: PM has requested for Sarawak to explore energy grid link to Southern Philippines via Sabah
KUCHING (June 16): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has requested the Sarawak government to explore the possibility of extending its renewable energy grid to southern Philippines via Sabah, revealed Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the matter is currently under discussion and will be subject to the final decision of the Federal government.
'That (matter) is under discussion. I leave it to the Federal government. If they say okay, then we will do our part in order to extend to the Asean grid. That is the future we have in Sarawak,' he added during a welcoming dinner for the 43rd Asean Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME) held at a local hotel here tonight.
Highlighting Sarawak's growing role in regional energy cooperation, Abang Johari noted that the state already supplies electricity to West Kalimantan, Indonesia, and is set to provide up to 100 megawatts to Sabah beginning early next year once the interconnection is completed.
He said Sarawak Energy has also taken a 25 per cent equity stake in the Mentarang Induk hydropower project in North Kalimantan, Indonesia, further cementing Sarawak's commitment to cross-border energy integration in Borneo.
'With the technology available and advanced technology that can produce the cleanest energy, we are able to contribute in a small way from Sarawak to the Asean power grid,' he said.
On Sarawak's energy development roadmap, the Premier said the state currently has an installed capacity of 7 gigawatts, of which 65 per cent is derived from hydropower. Plans are in place to raise this to 10 gigawatts by 2030.
Key projects contributing to this goal include new gas turbine plants in Bintulu (1,000MW) and Miri (500MW), as well as the upcoming Baleh Hydroelectric Project in Kapit, which will add another 1.2 gigawatts to the state grid.
'We are a small country with a population of over 2.8 million, and if we have a surplus of power, we share with our brothers and sisters in Asean,' he said.
Abang Johari also reiterated Sarawak's commitment to hydrogen as a future energy source. He highlighted ongoing collaborations with Japan, South Korea, Petronas subsidiary Gentari, and Siemens to produce hydrogen through electrolysis.
'God permits, by next year we will have a public transport ART (Autonomous Rapid Transit) fuelled by hydrogen. We will be the first in this region,' he said.
He further shared Sarawak's initiatives under its Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) policy, development of the Sarawak Gas Roadmap through state-owned Petros, and plans to expand methanol and ammonia production to serve energy and industrial sectors, including international shipping.
'Our methanol plant is already producing 5,000 tonnes per day, and we are exporting to China. Perhaps one day this methanol can be converted into ammonia as another form of energy,' he said.
Welcoming the Asean SOME delegates, Abang Johari expressed hope that their visit would also offer an opportunity to experience Sarawak's vibrant culture and development achievements.
He concluded by expressing confidence that the Asean region, working together in the spirit of mutual understanding and technological collaboration, can secure a brighter and more sustainable energy future.
'I wish you all the best in your deliberations, and may the future of ASEAN be bright,' he said.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, PETRA Secretary General Dato' Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli and other officials. Abang Johari Tun Openg anwar ibrahim Asean energy grid renewable energy
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