KUCHING: Sarawak is well-positioned to become a regional hub for renewable energy due to its abundance of natural resources, but it now needs strong technological partners to fully realise that potential.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak’s strength lies in its rich renewable resources, which must be matched with advanced technology from global industry players.
“Sarawak is fortunate for that. We have the resource, but we need the technology provider. And I hope this forum, they will try to explore the possibility of integrating technology provider.
“The state can produce renewable energy at an affordable cost and to be shared, at least in ASEAN, which Sarawak has been identified as a key renewable energy source within the region through the ASEAN Power Grid,” he said.
He said this during a press conference after attending the Yamada International Renewable Energy Investment Forum at Riverside Majestic Hotel here today.
He noted that the forum was attended by several Japanese companies seeking opportunities concerning the potential of renewable energy.
“And we are sharing with them the various potential of energy, low carbon energy that Sarawak can produce, as I have listed to them, that is our hydro, our solar, our biomass, our gas, as well as hydrogen, and the possibility of using the atom in the hydrogen as the base for fusion energy.
“And fusion energy is something very new in the world, and now is being experimented on in Tennessee, USA, which is safer than nuclear energy, and the possibility of cost may be cheaper than nuclear over time,” he said.
When asked whether investors were showing interest in Sarawak’s green industry, Abang Johari confirmed that there are parties keen to participate, although cost studies are still in progress.
“I am pleased that many have shown confidence and interest to invest in renewable energy production. We will provide support and facilitation,” he said, adding that the sector forms part of a new economy grounded in green principles.
This includes energy generation from waste, an area where Sarawak now leads the country. Sarawak recently became the first state in Malaysia to legislate the collection and processing of waste after the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) passed a new law.
Abang Johari said investor interest has already surfaced in the newly legislated waste sector.
“Yes, there is. But I cannot announce anything yet because the law was just passed yesterday and the Governor has not signed it,” he said.
