SINGAPORE, 21 Oct: Sarawak is positioning itself as a key player in advancing regional energy connectivity through the ASEAN Power Grid.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg reiterated the state’s commitment to renewable energy and cross-border energy exchange saying collaborations with neighboring countries, including Indonesia, Brunei, Sabah, and Singapore, are set to enhance the exchange of clean power across Southeast Asia.
“Sarawak is committed to supporting Southeast Asia’s transition to renewable energy. We have the potential to be the ‘Battery of ASEAN’, sharing our predominantly renewable power with our Southeast Asian neighbours through the interconnected Borneo and ASEAN Power Grid,” he said during his keynote address at the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) 2024 here.
As part of its future plans, Sarawak is also exploring undersea cable connections with Singapore and West Malaysia, further strengthening its role in regional energy security.
“Commercial negotiations for these interconnections are progressing well, while Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) is conducting a pre-feasibility study for a potential Sarawak-to-West Malaysia link.
“These projects mark significant milestones for Sarawak’s role in the ASEAN Power Grid’s next phase,” he said.
He futher said, Sarawak, with its strong track record in decarbonizing its energy system, is poised to play a key role in sharing renewable, low-carbon electricity across Southeast Asia.
“Sarawak, learning from our role as energy producer, exporter and utiliser, is committed to expand our role to foster cross-border partnerships and investments as our energy transition success stories can serve as models for other jurisdictions,” he said. – TVS
