Amendments aid shift to clean and renewable energy

THE Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2023 presents a significant opportunity for individuals and investors in Sarawak to engage in the region’s renewable energy programme, said Abdul Yakub Arbi (Balingian-GPS).

On the second day of the assembly sitting, he highlighted that the proposed changes to Sarawak’s Electricity Ordinance (Chapter 50) aim to stimulate both public and private investment in solar and hydropower projects. 

The primary revisions are geared towards advancing the government’s shift to clean and renewable energy.

“I hope Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) will come out with guidelines for individual houses or longhouses to install solar power for their consumption and feed the excess energy to the power grid.

“Investors could supply power to the grid by installing large-scale solar power panels, hydropower plants, or biomass power plants.

And export power to our neighbours such as Brunei, Kalimantan, and Sabah,” he said.

Supporting the Bill’s amendment, he encouraged seizing the opportunity to envision the future of renewable energy, suggesting the exploration of exporting renewable power to Singapore through a submarine cable.

Additionally, he emphasised that the passage of the law would grant the authority the ability to access and utilise land for establishing installations and securing right-of-way for the supply line. 

Furthermore, it aims to strengthen provisions related to offences, penalties, and rules enforcement.

He stated that the overarching objectives of these modifications are to bolster Sarawak’s position as a leader in clean energy within the region, create economic opportunities, and establish a robust and environmentally conscious electrical industry.

Meanwhile,  Allan Siden Gramong (Machan-GPS), who also supported the amendment, emphasised its significance as a crucial piece of legislation warranting the support of the House.

At its core, this bill seeks to institutionalise the concept of a single buyer in the electricity market, he said. 

”Essentially, it means that instead of multiple entities purchasing electricity from various sources, there will be one central buyer procuring electricity on behalf of consumers. 

”This single buyer will be responsible for ensuring a stable supply of electricity at affordable prices,” he said.

Introducing a single buyer, he noted, will allow for the streamlining of the electricity market, eliminate inefficiencies, and engage in more favourable negotiations with power generators. 

This strategy guarantees a fair and level playing field for all industry participants, he added.

He said the Bill also incorporates provisions to facilitate the shift towards clean and renewable energy sources.

Aligned with the commitment to combat climate change, it sets the stage for significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. 

He said by incorporating provisions for renewable energy integration, the bill encourages the development and utilisation of clean energy resources, such as solar and wind power. 

This signals a shift away from fossil fuel-based electricity generation, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.

With the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, the bill lays the foundation for a more sustainable energy future,he said.