Sarawak eyes wave energy project to become Asia’s first in kinetic energy production

BINTULU: Sarawak’s initiative to harness wave energy off the coast of Bintulu has the potential to position Sarawak as the first in Asia to produce electricity through kinetic energy.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that the 3km-long jetty here would be the site for the project.

“In Bintulu, we have a 3km jetty extending into the sea. Today, I asked Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) to collaborate with Sarawak Petchem to establish a trial plant to generate energy from waves, known as kinetic energy.

“We will use the waves to produce energy. By placing turbines beneath the jetty, the waves will hit the turbines and generate power. This method is new and currently only implemented in Spain.

“If successful, we will be the first in Asia, with Sarawak leading the way in producing power through kinetic energy,” he said.

He said in his opening address during the Sarawak Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Renewable Energy Development: A Business Dialogue with Premier of Sarawak at Dinner World Restaurant here on Monday (July 22).

Abang Johari, who is also the Energy and Environmental Sustainability Minister, said the state could produce more power through advanced technology.

“With abundant power, we can offer competitive tariffs. When tariffs are competitive, investors will come because their costs are determined by the power rates,” he said.

Looking ahead, he hoped that before he retires, Sarawak will have a robust economic policy benefiting everyone by 2030.

On July 17, Abang Johari said that the project, using sea waves to generate energy through turbines will be launched here next month.