Sarawak aims to have the capacity to generate 8 gigawatts (GW) of energy via its hydroelectric plants by 2030.
Sarawak’s Deputy Energy and Environmental Sustainability Minister Dr Hazland Abang Hipni said the capacity is needed to meet future industrial needs and support the state’s hydrogen economy agenda.
He said the target could be achieved by constructing floating solar energy farms in hydroelectric plants in the state to increase power generation.
“Our current energy capacity is insufficient, especially for the hydrogen industry in the future, which would require a lot of energy.
“This 8 GW target can be achieved through floating solar (plants), and we will start at the Batang Ai dam soon while also introducing the multi-level cascading dam,” he told a press conference here today.
On May 31, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said hydropower would still be the main focus of Sarawak’s energy resources, and he suggested that Sarawak Energy Bhd explore the construction of a hydropower dam in Sungai Trusan in Lawas.
Sarawak Energy’s first hydroelectric plant, the 108-megawatt (MW) Batang Ai dam, was commissioned in 1985, followed by Bakun (2,400 MW) in 2011 and Murum (944 MW) in 2014.
The Baleh hydroelectric project, with an installed capacity of 1,285 MW, is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in 2027.
The total installed capacity of Sarawak Energy’s large hydropower plants stands at 3,452 MW.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency