SARAWAK is set to achieve 60 per cent to 70 per cent renewable energy share by 2035 as part of its bold transition strategy under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and the upcoming Sarawak Energy Transition Policy (SET-P).
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg who is also the Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, emphasised that energy security remains a cornerstone of Sarawak’s push for rapid and inclusive economic growth.
“As our population and industries expand, we must ensure a reliable, affordable, and uninterrupted energy supply for the whole of Sarawak,” he said.
He said this in his ministerial winding-up speech at Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting at DUN complex, today (May 28).
Citing former UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon’s words that “energy is the golden thread that connects economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability,” Abang Johari stressed that Sarawak’s energy transition will power development across the state while aligning with global sustainability goals.
Abang Johari also said that Sarawak aims to develop 10 gigawatts (GW) of total installed capacity by 2030 and 15 GW by 2035, largely through the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model.
“This includes large-scale solar, bioenergy, and waste-to-energy projects, which have already garnered strong interest from the private sector.
“To support this momentum, we must modernise our infrastructure, including aggregating bioenergy feedstocks and upgrading our power transmission and distribution networks,” he added.
Meanwhile, as part of its efforts to enhance efficiency and attract private investment, the Premier said Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) will undergo organisational restructuring. Power generation will be opened up to private investment, while SEB will retain its role as the sole electricity buyer for distribution in the state.
“SEB must be empowered to evolve in support of Sarawak’s energy ambitions. This restructuring is key to ensuring SEB is fully able to drive Sarawak’s vision of becoming both a Battery of ASEAN and a renewable energy powerhouse.
“It will also support our broader goals of economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, and long-term energy security for Sarawak and the region,” said Abang Johari.
He said Sarawak is also developing four strategic energy hubs—the Renewable Energy Hub, Natural Gas Hub, Hydrogen Hub, and Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Hub.
“Each of these hubs plays a complementary role, working together towards a common and critical objective, ensuring energy security for Sarawak, today and for generations to come.
“Additionally, the Sarawak Government will introduce a suite of comprehensive and forward-looking policies, including Sarawak Hydrogen Economy Roadmap, Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint, Sarawak Energy Transition Policy; and Sarawak Energy Efficiency Roadmap.
“These policies are projected to unlock investment opportunities worth between RM350 billion to RM430 billion. It is also estimated to create approximately 44,000 new high-value, energy sector jobs for anak-anak Sarawak.
“These jobs will be generated by new industries, which can boost opportunities for local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), attract domestic and foreign direct investments, and strengthen our regional and global competitiveness,” said Abang Johari.
