‘102030’ – Sarawak’s mission to achieve 10 gigawatts renewable energy by 2030

Abang Johari (5th left) and other distinguished guests in a group photo at the Future Energy Asia 2024 held in Bangkok, Thailand on May 17, 2024. Photo credit: Office of Premier of Sarawak (OPS)

By DayakDaily Team

BANGKOK, May 17: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has encapsulated Sarawak’s target to achieve 10 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030 as ‘102030’ goal.

Delivering his keynote address at the Asia Future Energy Conference 2024 held in Bangkok, Thailand today, Abang Johari shared Sarawak’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and renewable energy.

“By 2030, we aim to bolster our energy capacity to generate 10 gigawatts, predominantly sourced from renewable sources such as hydropower, solar, gas turbine and biomass energy.

“We have encapsulated this ambitious target in our ‘102030’ goal. This catchy term signifies our mission to achieve 10 gigawatts of renewable energy by the year 2030,” he said.

Abang Johari (left) speaks during the Future Energy Asia 2024 held in Bangkok, Thailand on May 17, 2024. Photo credit: Office of Premier of Sarawak (OPS)

Moving towards the goal, he pointed out that Sarawak have been working hard to increase the use of renewable energy since 2010, resulting in its generation capacity growing by more than fourfold in 2023, reaching a total of 5,745 megawatts.

This growth, he said, has not only allowed Sarawak to power more homes but also to attract export customers and energy industry players, diversifying its revenue streams through competitive tariffs.

At the same time, he mentioned that the Sarawak government is aiming to have solar energy make up 12 per cent of its total capacity mix which will not only help the region to reduce its carbon footprint but also contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sector.

He also said Sarawak’s commitment to renewable hydropower has enabled the region to develop bilateral transmission interconnections with its Southeast Asian neighbours.

“In 2016, we took the first step in driving a Trans Borneo Grid with the commissioning of Sarawak’s first international and transboundary interconnection to West Kalimantan, Indonesia.

“Sarawak has continued to build on our strong relationship with our Indonesian neighbours, progressing the Mentarang Induk Hydroelectric Project (MIHEP) in North Kalimantan via a joint venture company with our Indonesian partners,” he added, stating that Sarawak’s efforts are actively contributing to the ASEAN Power Grid initiative.

Additionally, he shared that Sarawak Energy is currently in collaboration with partners such as Sembcorp Utilities and Singapore Power International, to undertake technical studies for a Sarawak-Singapore interconnection. — DayakDaily