LAWAS: The Kota 2 Mini Hydroelectric Plant, which adopts a cascading run-of-river scheme along Sungai Kota here, poses minimal impact on the environment.
Sarawak Energy’s Vice-President (Hydro), Johnny Wong, said the Kota 1 and Kota 2 mini hydroelectric plants form a cascading power source, strategically developed along the same river at different elevations to optimise water flow for electricity generation.
“This (Kota 1 and Kota 2) is a very good example of cascading our energy sources. It does not harm the environment significantly and has minimal environmental impact,” he told reporters during the Sarawak Energy Media Familiarisation Trip to the Kota 2 Mini Hydroelectric Plant here today (Jan 23).
He added that the long-term operational costs are also lower compared with fuel-based power generation.
Wong said the cascading power source (CPS) is part of Sarawak Energy’s renewable energy agenda, which aims to maintain a 60 per cent renewable energy mix, with more CPS projects planned by 2035.
Kota 2 contributes about 10.5 megawatts (MW) of power and plays a significant role in reducing carbon emissions previously generated by diesel-based plants.
Sarawak Energy General Manager (Gas) Cheling Sapong said the cascading run-of-river concept significantly reduces environmental impact as it does not involve the construction of large dams.
“It simply runs on the river, causing very minimal disturbance to the environment, which aligns strongly with environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards,” he said.
The Kota 2 Mini Hydroelectric Plant was commissioned in 2019 and developed to address electricity supply challenges when Lawas operated as an isolated grid, where reliance on diesel-based generation resulted in higher operating costs and limited supply flexibility.
With an installed capacity of 10.5 MW, together with the existing 4 MW Kota 1 Mini Hydro Plant on the same river system, Kota 2 forms a cascading power source that utilises water flows at different elevations to generate electricity efficiently.
Following the integration of Lawas into the predominantly hydropower-based Sarawak Grid, Kota 2 continues to supply renewable electricity that complements grid power and supports Sarawak Energy’s commitment to reliable and sustainable energy, while contributing to long-term reductions in fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
