Deputy energy and environmental sustainability minister Dr Hazland Abang Hipni said Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg had been “very aggressive, focussed and committed” to realise a sustainable and clean future for the state through the Sarawak Energy Transition Policy.
“The premier has been sharing with us ideas on energy transition and ways to capitalise and monetise whatever natural resources Sarawak has,” Hazland said at the Youth Economic Forum 2024 today.
He cited Abang Johari’s support for the establishment of the energy and environmental sustainability ministry as proof of his commitment to propel the region towards net zero carbon emission by 2050.
Earlier this month, Abang Johari said Sarawak had exceeded its renewable energy capacity mix target outlined in its Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
Sarawak has made significant strides in renewable energy development, with installed capacity for power generation reaching 62% this year, six years ahead of time. The share of renewable energy was initially only projected to reach 60% by 2030. Hydropower is the primary contributor to this achievement.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has also praised Sarawak for coming up with the strategy, saying other states should emulate their Bornean counterpart.
PCDS 2030 is aimed at making Sarawak a high-income state while focussing on environmental sustainability and social inclusion.
It is anchored on six key sectors to accelerate economic growth – tourism, commercial agriculture, manufacturing, forestry, mining and social services.
Abang Johari has also been vocal about the state’s aspirations to become a hydrogen hub in the region.
In June, he launched the nation’s first electrolyser assembly and distribution facility at Demak Laut Industrial Park in Kuching.
Natural resources key to Sarawak’s energy transition
Hazland said Sarawak was able to achieve its energy transitioning strategies due to the abundance of natural resources in the state, with 62% of its land covered by forests and mangroves.
“The estimated carbon sink in that 62% is actually between 750 million tonnes and one billion tonnes. That does not include the carbon sink we have in our seas.
“We are also blessed with a lot of rivers, enabling us to develop the hydroelectric power sector,” he said, describing Sarawak’s construction of its first hydroelectric dam in 1985 as a “turning point” for the state’s clean energy sector.
Hazland added that the political stability enjoyed by the people at the state and federal levels has facilitated the speedy achievement of Sarawak’s clean energy initiatives.
“Leadership is very important. We may have all the resources but if the leadership is not in line with the strategies, it will not be successful.”
The Youth Economic Forum 2024, which drew in more than 1,200 aspiring professionals, encourages youth leadership and participation in the administration and governance of the country through a series of panel discussions with notable figures.
The guests include Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul, Petronas chief sustainability officer Charlotte Wolff-Bye, CIMB Bank country head Gurdip Singh Sidhu and Sarawak Energy Bhd general manager Irwan Aman.