Sarawak Energy aims to progress M’sia’s sustainable energy goals, expand regional collab

KUCHING (July 11): Sarawak Energy, in its commitment to advancing hydropower and renewable energy in Malaysia, recently participated in a discussion with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, the International Hydropower Association (IHA), and the Global Renewables Alliance (GRA) at the Malaysia High Commission in London.

The discussion aimed to progress Malaysia’s sustainable energy goals and expand regional collaboration opportunities with the global hydropower community to accelerate hydropower development towards meeting the nation’s net zero target by 2050, according to a statement.

Representing Sarawak Energy was its group chief executive officer Datuk Sharbini Suhaili, who also serves as a board member of IHA for Asia (East and Pacific). IHA and GRA were represented by their chief executive officers Eddie Rich and Bruce Douglas respectively.

Fadillah, who is Federal Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, discussed Malaysia’s efforts to address resource security and environmental impact concerns by pursuing renewable energy alternatives, including solar and hydro, to diversify the energy mix and promote sustainable electricity generation.

He said in 2021, the Malaysia Renewable Energy Roadmap outlined a strategic framework to achieve the ambitious targets for diversifying the nation’s energy mix and the potential of hydroelectric power stands out significantly.

He also highlighted the future of hydropower, including mini and micro-hydro projects, which offer sustainable energy solutions for rural electrification while minimising environmental impact.

Smaller hydro projects require modest infrastructure and integrate well into existing water management systems.

Fadillah also expressed interest for his ministry to collaborate with Sarawak Energy, IHA, and GRA on policy, advocacy, and renewable energy capacity building.

The discussions also covered pumped storage, cascading power sources, and integrating hydropower into Asean energy programmes.

During the discussion, Sharbini emphasised Sarawak Energy’s commitment to accelerate hydropower development towards net zero and shared insights on how renewable hydropower has powered Sarawak’s sustainable growth.

“Renewable hydropower can power sustainable socio-economic growth in Sarawak and serve as one of the key enablers for regional growth,” he said.

He noted that while Southeast Asia’s installed hydropower capacity is expected to continue growing to meet electricity demand, many policymakers in the region have not included hydropower in net zero strategies yet – as reflected in IHA’s published 2024 World Hydropower Outlook.

With increased resources and strengthened partnerships, Sarawak Energy aims to support global energy transition efforts and contribute to the region’s energy transition.

“Malaysia recognises large hydropower as a contributor to renewable energy targets at the national level.

“With this, Malaysia can play a very important role in driving this regional shift towards renewable hydropower – becoming an energy transition leader in Southeast Asia,” said Sharbini.

Rich emphasised hydropower’s role in supporting global climate action and shared IHA’s plans to focus more on regionalisation to meet Southeast Asia’s needs in accelerating sustainable hydropower development.

He also detailed IHA’s recommendations for Malaysia and the role of advocacy going forward.

Meanwhile, Douglas emphasised hydropower’s role in tripling global renewable capacity by 2030, stressing its flexibility and resiliency.