LUBOK ANTU: Sarawak is attracting investor interest in large-scale solar projects across its major hydropower reservoirs, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said negotiations are underway with potential investors for solar generation projects at Bakun, Murum, and eventually Baleh.
“I cannot name the company yet, but negotiations are ongoing with investors for solar generation at Bakun, Murum, and eventually Baleh,” he said.
He said this during a press conference after officiating at the Batang Ai Hydroelectric Plant 40th Anniversary here today (Oct 6).
Abang Johari said Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) had already installed 50 megawatts (MW) of floating solar at Batang Ai, with plans to add another 120MW.
“At Batang Ai, we already have 50 megawatts. SEB will add another 120, bringing the total to 170 megawatts.
“This will become the largest solar facility in Malaysia, and after this, similar projects are being considered at Bakun and Murum.
He added Sarawak’s renewable energy mix will integrate hydropower with solar, both floating and elevated, while exploring biomass and biogas sources such as the Salcra pilot project in Lubok Antu.
He noted that recent legal amendments now allow private participation in generation, though SEB remains the sole buyer and distributor.
“With these developments, our targets of 10 gigawatts by 2030 and 15 gigawatts by 2035 are achievable, or even more,” he said.
