KUCHING: Sarawak is committed to completing four cascading dam projects in the northern region by 2030.
Energy and Environmental Sustainability Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni said 12 rivers had been identified for the initiative, with the first phase focusing on four rivers capable of generating around 1.5 gigawatts.
He said the projects were part of the state’s effort to boost power generation capacity to 10 gigawatts by 2030, in line with its renewable energy goals.
“These projects must be completed by 2030 so that we can increase our energy output to 10 gigawatts by then.
“At present, the projects remain at the planning stage. The rest of the details are classified,” Hazland told reporters when asked about the progress of the state’s cascading dam project.
He was met after officiating at the Malaysian Photovoltaic and Sustainable Energy Industry Association (MPSEA) Solar Roadshow 2025 at Sheraton Hotel today.
Previously, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said assessments on the construction of cascading dams in Sarawak had identified several sites with a combined hydropower potential of up to three gigawatts.
Delivering his keynote address at the International Forum on Pumped Storage Hydropower 2025 at the Unesco headquarters in Paris earlier this month, he said studies on the implementation of the projects were already at an advanced stage.
He added that Sarawak remained on course to become a regional renewable energy hub under its clean and sustainable energy roadmap, driven by hydropower, solar and biomass.
“We are committed to maintaining at least 60 per cent of our energy mix from renewable sources by 2030, with a target capacity of 10 gigawatts.
“Our approach decouples growth from emissions, enabling us to move towards net zero while continuing to drive economic development,” he said.
