S’wak gives in-principle approval to Baram solar agrovoltaic initiative

KUCHING (July 25): The Sarawak government has granted in-principle approval to Planet QEOS’s solar agrovoltaic initiative in the Baram region.

The decision was made in a special meeting chaired by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

A press statement from Planet QEOS said the project, which aligns with the Premier’s vision, aims to revolutionise renewable energy generation, address critical food security issues, and create thousands of new jobs in renewable energy and food technology within the Baram region.

“The Sarawak government has granted in-principle approval for Planet QEOS to conduct feasibility studies for generating between 500 megawatt capacity (MWAC) to 4000 MWAC of renewable power through solar energy in Baram.

“This approval paves the way for the swift commencement of solar plant construction,” said the statement.

It said the study will also include a dedicated 180km Green Energy Grid to be established along the decommissioned Sabah Sarawak Gas Pipeline.

The statement said this will will directly connect renewable energy from Baram to Tanjung Kidurong, Bintulu, ensuring efficient distribution and utilisation.

“The project’s ambitious vision includes the installation of up to 20 GWP (global warming potential) of solar capacity and potentially up to 40 GWh (gigawatt hour) of battery storage by 2030,” it added.

UEM Lestra, a key player in the renewable energy sector, has been introduced as the Phase 1 partner for Planet QEOS.

Their initial focus will be on developing 500 MWAC of solar agrovoltaic, which will seamlessly integrate with the main grid operated by Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), pending the conclusion of the feasibility study.

Phase 1 of the project represents a substantial investment of up to RM2 billion.

“We are very pleased to have the opportunity to present our proposal to the Sarawak government, and the Premier has agreed in principle to continue this project,” said UEM Group chairman Datuk Amran Hafiz Affifudin.

“We feel that this project will drive significant benefits for the Sarawak government, the people of Sarawak, and Malaysia.”

Planet QEOS chairman Dino Bidari emphasised the project’s core mission.

“This is Sarawak engineering at its best. We engineered the solar agrovoltaic with the primary goal of achieving greater wealth distribution among the people of Sarawak, specifically in Baram.

“By incorporating elements that enable economic participation from rural communities, we aim to create thousands of specialised and stable jobs over the next 30 years.

“The economic impact from land use is more than 50 times compared to oil palm. This allows minimal impact on rural land while generating significant economic benefits for the rural community. It’s a winning formula for the rural communities of Sarawak” he added.

Among those present at the meeting were Minister of Utility and Telecommunication as well as Planet QEOS delegation chief executive officer Dr Gabriel Walter and chief operations officer Lam Poh Lian.