KUCHING: Sarawak is looking at the possibility of connecting its electricity supply to Laos and Myanmar as it expands its role in regional energy connectivity.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state is gradually widening its electricity connections beyond its borders, supported by its renewable energy capacity.
He said Sarawak is already supplying electricity to Kalimantan and Sabah, with Brunei next in line for connection.
“We have this Borneo Grid, which we share with our neighbours, and perhaps from there, there is a possibility of connecting to southern Philippines.
“On the other side of ASEAN, we can connect to Laos and Myanmar through Singapore. We are now discussing with Singapore to supply our power there.
“We are targeting 10GW by 2030 and 15GW by 2035. We only need about 7GW to 8GW domestically, and the balance we can share with our neighbours,” he said.
He said this during a fireside chat held in conjunction with the 34th General Assembly of the Federation of Engineering Institutions of Asia and the Pacific (FEIAP) and World Engineering Congress at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.
Abang Johari said Sarawak’s ability to participate in regional energy connectivity is supported by its hydropower resources, which provide electricity generation and storage capacity.
He said the state’s cascading dams allow water to be stored and released when needed, providing flexibility in electricity generation.
Apart from hydropower, Sarawak is also developing other renewable energy sources, including solar and biomass, to strengthen its energy capacity.
“And with that background, the Prime Minister has requested Sarawak to look into the possibility of producing power not only for Sarawak, but also beyond Sarawak.
“So, in other words, Sarawak will play its part for the sake of the whole region,” he added.
