Baram solar project: Hasten substation approval to unlock billions in investment, rural opportunities

Ngau participating in the debate on Sarawak Budget 2027 during DUS Sitting on Oct 15, 2026.

By Christine T

KUCHING, Oct 15: The proposed integrated solar project in Baram could unlock billions of ringgit in private investment and create new economic opportunities for rural communities, but its implementation must be expedited, says Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau.

Debating the Sarawak Budget 2027 at the State Legislative Assembly today, he urged the Sarawak government to clear administrative hurdles and hasten the approval for a proposed Line-In-Line-Out (LILO) distribution substation in Temala, Long Lama, to allow electricity generated by the project to be channelled into the State grid.

Ngau said the project, which forms part of the Baram Renewable Energy Economic Zone (BREEZ), was envisioned as more than a solar power plant, with plans for a modern township, workforce housing and a logistics hub with warehouse facilities.

He said the wider development could involve billions of ringgit in private capital investment, making the substation a critical component in realising the project’s economic potential.

“The LILO substation in Temala will be 100 per cent paid for by the private sector,” he said, questioning the need for further economic justification before approval could be granted.

He also pointed to the RM3.8 billion investment by the Sarawak government in the Miri-Marudi-Mulu-Long Panai-Long Lama (3M2L) road network as further justification for supporting the development.

Ngau said Baram was well-positioned to become a renewable energy hub, citing solar irradiance levels in Telang Usan that he noted were 15 to 25 per cent higher than in many other parts of Sarawak.

He added the proposed development could support the State’s growing demand for affordable electricity, particularly as artificial intelligence, advanced robotics and other technologies increase the need for abundant and reliable power.

Beyond attracting investment, Ngau said the project could also create employment, provide high-skilled technical training for local youths and reduce the cost of future solar installations and maintenance in remote Baram communities.

He said the proposed logistics and operations centres could support a renewable energy-based “virtual grid”, using solar power and battery storage to provide electricity to villages that may be difficult to connect through conventional grid infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Ngau also called for urgent intervention to address electricity supply problems affecting rural communities, following a fire at the Kampung Long Atip solar hybrid station on Sept 15 that affected more than 1,500 residents.

He said around 32 longhouses in his constituency were facing critical battery degradation, leaving some communities struggling with electricity supply at night.

To address the situation, he urged the State government to approve a second-phase proof of concept under an Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) virtual grid framework, with an estimated allocation of RM50.49 million to remediate the affected villages.

He also stressed that major projects must comply with environmental safeguards, technical standards and meaningful engagement with affected communities, but unnecessary delays should be avoided when the relevant requirements could be met. — DayakDaily