State-Norway collaboration aims to position Sarawak as Asia’s green energy hub

KUCHING (April 2): A collaboration between Sarawak, through the State Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability, and Norway’s Det Norske Veritas (DNV) is set to accelerate the implementation of clean energy development in the state, said Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni.

The State Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability said Sarawak requires the expertise of DNV as a global verification body to ensure its green energy projects meet international standards and quality benchmarks.

Dr Hazland said the cooperation is vital as Sarawak is not only supplying energy domestically but also expanding its energy market to neighbouring countries and states, with long-term plans involving the Asia-Pacific region.

“Geographically, Sarawak is strategically located in the Asia-Pacific region compared to countries like Australia, which is further away and involves higher costs.

“As such, the state government is formulating a new plan to strengthen and further boost the development of the green energy industry in the region, covering key markets such as China, Japan, Korea and other countries.

“This presents a significant opportunity for Sarawak,” he said at a press conference after a meeting with DNV’s regional head of energy systems for Asia-Pacific (hydrogen and CCUS) Dr Thomas Koller at his office here yesterday.

DNV is an international accredited registrar and classification society headquartered in Høvik, Norway, providing services across industries including maritime, oil and gas, renewable energy, electrification and healthcare.

Dr Hazland added that the global energy landscape is evolving rapidly, particularly due to geopolitical uncertainties, including conflicts in the Middle East, which are prompting countries to reduce dependence on oil and gas.

“In this context, Sarawak is in a strategic position to capitalise on these opportunities.

“With abundant natural resources such as hydropower and solar energy, Sarawak is capable of producing green energy at a lower cost compared to other countries, positioning the state as the battery of Asia,” he stressed.

He also highlighted that Sarawak had begun early preparations over the past four to five years, including infrastructure development, legal frameworks and human capital training, to support the green energy ecosystem.