BALI, Oct 31: Sarawak is venturing beyond the Borneo Power Grid as part of the regional ASEAN Power Grid.
Sarawak Energy, in collaboration with partners Sembcorp Industries and Singapore Power Group, is making progress in technical studies and commercial negotiations for a potential interconnection with Singapore.
The project has received the blessing of Malaysia’s Prime Minister, and discussions with Indonesia will soon begin as the proposed undersea interconnection project will traverse Indonesian waters.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg highlighted Sarawak’s ability to supply renewable energy to the ASEAN region, showcasing its hydropower capabilities at the World Hydropower Congress (WHC) in the presence of Indonesian President Joko Widodo.
“Hydropower is the key renewable energy generation resource that will accelerate the ASEAN Power Grid.
“Sarawak is blessed with abundant natural resources. Sustainable hydropower is an essential foundation for Sarawak’s development, possessing high potential for hydro power, with 8,000MW capacity, of which 3,452MW has been harnessed through three large dams,” he said when addressing the congress.
He also emphasized that Sarawak is at the forefront of renewable energy, utilising sources such as water, solar, and wind.
“Solar in particular has synergies with hydropower, and Sarawak Energy is developing a pilot 50MW floating solar farm at Batang Ai HEP’s reservoir which is projected to offset around 52 kilo tonnes of carbon emissions annually,” he added.
Interconnection is vital for shared regional sustainability goals, with hydropower playing a key role in accelerating the ASEAN Power Grid, according to Abang Johari.
He cited Sarawak’s successful power exchange with West Kalimantan in 2016 as an example of the benefits of interconnection. This partnership has led to Sarawak’s involvement in the 1,375MW Mentarang Induk Hydroelectric Project (MIHEP) in in collaboration with Adaro and Kayan Patria Pratama in North Kalimantan.
In March, Abang Johari and Jokowi participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the multi-billion dollar MIHEP project.
“Hydropower projects like MIHEP present a holistic approach to the most pressing challenges of our time.
“It offers a vital transition towards cleaner energy production, reduce carbon emissions, drive socioeconomic growth, improve water resource management, mitigate climate change impacts, and foster the conservation of vital ecosystems,” he added.
The World Hydropower Congress (WHC) hosted over 1,000 industry experts, leaders, and players in the hydropower sector, with former Australian Prime Minister and President Designate of International Hydropower Association (IHA) Malcolm Turnbull in attendance as well. -TVS
