Sarawak’s aggressive push for renewable energy

KUCHING: Sarawak plans to significantly increase its production of renewable energy, according to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

In line with this, he expressed his support for more investment, particularly sustainable investment, in Sarawak as the state aims to bolster its power supply and renewable energy sources.

“This morning (Feb 2), a delegation from a business corporation discussed the production of solar energy. This aligns with our efforts to increase production of renewable energy such as hydrogen and solar,” he said.

“Furthermore, yesterday (Feb 1), I met with the British High Commissioner, and they also expressed interest in collaborating to generate power using wood pallets.

“In other words, we will prioritise the expansion of our renewable energy sources,” he added.

He made these remarks during the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between SEDC Energy Sdn Bhd and Gallois New Energy Materials (M) Sdn Bhd held today (Feb 2).

Abang Johari also welcomed the signed MOU, which outlines the establishment of a high-end Graphite Manufacturing Plant for the production of Spherical Natural Graphite and Synthetic Graphite in Samalaju Industrial Park, Bintulu.

“I also hope that your product will be environmentally friendly, and we will have access to graphite sourced from Sarawak,” he said.

He further highlighted Sarawak’s active involvement in hydrogen production and emphasized the state’s fortunate abundance of resources to produce hydrogen using the electrolysis method.

“Simultaneously, we are planning to power our public transport with hydrogen, which means adopting fuel cell technology.

“And graphite is essential for this fuel cell technology. Therefore, it is highly appropriate for us to establish a graphite production plant, serving as a supply chain for the transportation industry in manufacturing cars and mobility solutions using graphite produced in Sarawak,” he concluded.