KUCHING: Sarawak Energy has become a global patron of the World Energy Council, making it the first in Southeast Asia to do so.

The Sarawak government-owned electricity utility said this was formalised during a virtual signing ceremony yesterday between Sarawak Energy group chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Sharbini Suhaili and World Energy Council secretary general and CEO Dr Angela Wilkinson.

Sarawak Energy, one of Southeast Asia's major hydropower developers, will support the council in its efforts to catalyse energy transitions around the world while gaining access to the energy body's network of more than 3,000 member organisations in more than 90 countries for global insights and best practices on energy policy, innovation and sustainability strategies.

"Sarawak Energy will be the council's first patron from Southeast Asia, joining a group across the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Asia," it said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Sharbini said that by becoming a patron, Sarawak Energy will be able to tap into a global network of energy industry players as it continues to explore energy transition solutions for the region.

"Our strategic shift to renewable hydropower over four decades ago has allowed us to balance energy security, affordability and sustainability, powering sustainable growth in Sarawak and creating a strong foundation for the exploration of other low carbon energy solutions including floating solar and green hydrogen production.

"Between 2010 and 2021, we were able to reduce Sarawak's power grid emission intensity by more than 70 per cent," he said.

Sharbini said that as the world accelerates its energy transition efforts, Sarawak Energy is progressing plans to share its renewable energy resources with neighbouring countries through interconnections by advancing the Borneo Grid and Asean Power Grid.

"This enables us to significantly contribute to Southeast Asia's carbon emission reduction efforts and enhances the resiliency of the energy transition in the region," he said.

Patrons of the World Energy Council are a critical pillar of the organisation, actively supporting the council's Humanising Energy vision and breakthrough impact agenda.

As it has for 100 years, the council equips leaders and their organisations with valuable insights and tools that effectively engage with the increasing diversity in energy as a source of know-how, innovation and learning, according to the statement. - Bernama

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/03/1031894/sarawak-energy-becomes-world-energy-councils-first-patron-southeast-asia