DUBAI, Dec 6: Sarawak Energy Berhad inked Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with United Arab Emirates state-owned clean energy provider, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC, widely known as Masdar.
Its Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Sharbini Suhaili formalised the MOU with Masdar Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi at the Green Avenue, Dubai Expo, witnessed by the Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The agreement signed in conjunction with the COP28 in Dubai signifies a strategic collaboration with the goal of advancing renewable energy projects throughout Sarawak.
“As Malaysia progresses towards its net-zero targets, it is crucial for nations to work together in maximising the full potential of their renewable energy resources.
“Regional collaboration is essential, and our partnership with Masdar will play a key role in advancing our sustainable future agenda,” said Sharbini.
The agreement centered on collaborative efforts in advancing renewable energy projects, specifically emphasising innovative technologies like Solar Photovoltaic (PV) technology and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
A significant target outlined in the memorandum of understanding is the joint venture to develop two gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy projects in Malaysia.
The initial phase aims to kick off this ambitious initiative by focusing on developing one GW of projects in Sarawak. Beyond solar and energy storage ventures, the collaboration extends to exploring opportunities in hydro projects across Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Jameel said Masdar is proud to be strengthening its support for Malaysia’s renewable energy ambitions with this partnership.
“As a clean energy pioneer with over 17 years of experience in deploying renewable and clean energy projects at scale.
“We look forward to helping build Malaysia’s renewable energy capacity with this agreement in support of its net-zero targets,” he said in a statement.
Sarawak, with a hydropower potential of 20,000MW, has strategically harnessed 3.452GW from hydropower plants like Bakun, Murum, and Batang Ai, with an additional 1.285GW expected from the Baleh HEP by the end of the decade.
Signifying a major step forward in advancing international collaboration for the development of sustainable and renewable energy solutions, this partnership follows an MoU signed in October 2023 between Masdar and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) that marked an investment commitment of RM37 billion (US$8 billion) for the development of up to 10 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy projects. – TVS
