KUCHING: Sarawak is exploring expanded collaboration with the Global Renewables Alliance (GRA) and the International Hydropower Association (IHA) to advance renewable energy initiatives and strengthen efforts to enhance its renewable energy mix.
The meeting took place at the Global Renewable Hub Pavilion during the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, involving the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Sarawak (MEESty) led by Deputy Minister, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni.
In the meeting, Dr Hazland said that collaboration can be forged and initiated from the signing of Power Grid Agreement by all ministers in charge of energy during the ASEAN Summit 2025 held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Sarawak was also invited to join the Global Alliance for Pumped Storage, a networking platform which will enhance Sarawak’s capability and position as the region’s clean and renewable energy powerhouse.
In addition, GRA invited Sarawak to participate in the World Hydropower Congress scheduled for April 2027 in Australia.
Sarawak’s previous participation in the congress demonstrated its commitment to working with like-minded countries in advancing global renewable energy efforts.
Hence, GRA’s Regional Lead for Asia Pacific, Rex Amancio; IHA representative, DEO Eddie Rich; and Senior Energy Policy Manager and North America Regional Lead, Debbie Gray, expressed interest in expanding their network in Sarawak.
They also offered expertise and new technologies to support Sarawak’s renewable energy and net-zero aspirations.
The continued collaboration between Sarawak and GRA & IHA will further strengthen Sarawak in meeting its energy generation, renewable energy capacity mix, export and investment targets, as well as enhancing green technology usage in the field of energy, realisiing the vision of becoming the Battery of ASEAN.
Also present during the meeting was MEESty officer from the Climate Change and Sustainability Section, Sharifah Mordhiah Syeed Mohd Hussien, and from the Energy Division, Nadzirah Bujang.
