Sarawak to launch kinetic electricity turbines next month

KUALA LUMPUR: The Sarawak government’s goal to generate electricity through kinetic energy by harnessing sea waves is set to be realised next month.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced that the project will be launched in Bintulu next month, using sea waves to generate energy through turbines.

“Green energy is not only about hydro and solar; we have vast water bodies. For instance, Bakun is said to be as large as the country of Singapore.

“Imagine the water bodies we have, where we can install floating solar panels, creating a hybrid system. During periods of low solar output, hydro can support solar, providing another source of green energy.

“Another source is kinetic energy. With these turbines, we will generate energy. Thus, Sarawak will have three sources of green energy, not limited to just hydro and solar,” he said.

He was speaking at the launch of MIDA Invest Series: ‘Sarawak – Unfolding Its Business Potential’ held at Perdana Hall, MIDA Sentral today (July 17).

Abang Johari revealed that power generation using wave motion would be implemented on a 3.5-kilometre jetty in Bintulu.

If this method succeeds, he said, Bintulu would be the first place in the world to use this technology to generate electricity.

Abang Johari further explained that aside from these three sources of green energy, Sarawak also has gas reserves and is exploring the potential of carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS).

Despite the lack of a specific international protocol for carbon trading, he said, Sarawak is working with the World Bank to develop a suitable protocol based on the London Protocol.

“Petros has been appointed as the resource manager for CCUS, and licenses will be issued for carbon trading to those involved.

“This is a new development sector that Sarawak is undertaking. We are very fortunate to have political stability, allowing us to implement policies in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he added.

He also highlighted the five laws governing this industry in Sarawak, such as the Sarawak Land Code, which regulates carbon storage, and the Oil Mining Ordinance, which operates together with the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA 74), the Malaysian Constitution, and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).