PARIS: Sarawak is set to scale up its solar energy capacity through floating and ground-mounted installations, supported by energy storage systems.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said feasibility studies are underway at three identified sites — Murum reservoir, Bakun and Padawan. The studies are expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
“Our target is to have 10 gigawatts of generation capacity by the year 2030, known as our ‘10-20-30’ target, which will predominantly be sourced from renewable sources such as hydropower, solar and biomass energy.
“Apart from hydropower facilities, we are advancing large-scale floating solar and pilot biomass initiatives, while working to extend energy access to rural and off-grid communities.
“These efforts may be modest in scale, but they illustrate how the energy transition is already delivering practical benefits today, even as we prepare for the challenges ahead,” he said.
He said this when delivering a keynote address titled “Driving the Energy Transition: Sarawak’s Roadmap for Renewable and Sustainable Growth” at an International Forum on Pumped Storage Hydropower 2025 at Unesco Headquarters here on Tuesday.
The Premier cited the 50 megawatt (MW) floating solar farm at the Batang Ai Hydroelectric Plant — Malaysia’s first of its kind — as a pioneering example of hybrid and integrated energy solutions.
He also pointed to the 60 megawatt-hours (MWh) Sejingkat Battery Energy Storage System, the country’s first utility-scale BESS.
“These projects not only enhance grid stability but also demonstrate the viability of combining hydro and solar technologies,” he added.
