KUCHING: Sarawak will export electricity to the southern Philippines through Sabah, following plans to begin supplying energy to the neighbouring state next year.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that Sarawak has a 500-megawatt combined-cycle power plant in Miri and three plants in Bintulu generating a total of 1,500 megawatts.
With these assets, the state is set to support Sabah’s power needs before extending supply to the Philippines.
“The Prime Minister has requested that we export electricity from Sabah to the southern part of the Philippines.
“This means we will be generating power within Asean. This is Malaysia’s strength, and more specifically, Sarawak’s strength. It means we have the capability to attract investments here,” he said.
He was speaking at the Affin Bank Chinese New Year (CNY) dinner at Sheraton Hotel here last night (Feb 17).
Abang Johari said Sarawak plays a strategic role in Asean’s energy sector, citing its green energy mix of 70 per cent hydropower and 30 per cent natural gas.
He said the state is also transitioning towards hydrogen and hybrid energy as it prepares to decommission the Mukah and Sejingkat power plants.
“Sarawak has the resources to drive Asean’s energy security.
“Hydrogen is the new fuel, and we are positioning ourselves for a hydrogen economy,” he added.
For record, the project is part of the Asean Power Grid initiative, reinforcing Sarawak’s vision of becoming the ‘Battery of Asean’ in the energy sector.
The electricity to be exported from Miri will come from a 500-megawatt Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power plant developed by Petros in Lutong, which is currently under construction.
Previously, the Sarawak government invested RM2 billion in an energy project integrating hydrogen and steam, utilizing Mitsubishi’s cutting-edge technology — the first of its kind in the region.
Also present at the event were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Affin Bank Berhad chairman Datuk Agil Natt, and Affin Bank Group chief executive officer Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah Wan Ali.
