Julaihi (seated centre) delivers his speech during an engagement session with DFAT Australia and ANU supported by P4I in Canberra, Australia on Aug 26, 2024.

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By DayakDaily Team

AUSTRALIA, Aug 27: The Sarawak government has identified two potential locations for the construction of pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) facilities.

Minister of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said based on discussions with Australia’s Partnerships for Infrastructure (P4I) and Professor Andrew Blakers from the Australian National University (ANU), Sarawak’s PHES potential is high and could be part of the continued focus on renewables and green solutions for Sarawak.

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“Two potential sites have been identified for proof-of-concept (POC) studies with support from P4I. One of these facilities is envisioned to be developed between our Bakun and Murum hydroelectric plants.

“The other will be built in the Padawan area of Kuching, which is Sarawak’s capital city,” he said during an engagement session with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and ANU supported by P4I in Canberra, Australia yesterday (Aug 26).

Julaihi further believed that the potential application of PHES in Sarawak, once proven to be feasible, is large.

“A successful first model will see more sites identified.

“I believe that the conversations that will take place today and throughout our time in Australia will help us determine the best way forward to incorporate PHES into Sarawak’s energy system,” he added.

Julaihi is leading a Sarawak delegation on a study mission to learn about HPES in Australia to support Sarawak’s goal to generate 10 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030 (102030). — DayakDaily