KUCHING: Sarawak aims to boost its presence in global efforts towards sustainability by branding the state as "Asia's Renewable Powerhouse," says Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

The Premier said the tagline would position Sarawak on the regional and global stage as a hub for energy transition.

"Initiatives towards the use of carbon-free energy sources and carbon reduction are in line with the world's transition to achieve net zero emissions by 2050," he said in his Hari Raya message on Tuesday (April 9).

Abang Johari said Sarawak had the potential to generate 20 gigawatts (GW) of hydropower, while its current capacity of 5.4GW provided low-carbon energy to investors at competitive tariffs.

"Subsequently, we plan to export energy to Brunei and Sabah as well as 1GW to Singapore by 2032 via an undersea cable," he said.

Abang Johari also said Sarawak would continue to develop its hydropower potential with minimal impact on the environment and human lives.

In line with this, he said the relevant agencies had been directed to study the use of cascading dams for power generation as done in countries like Norway and Canada.

"The project will begin in Sungai Gaat, Kapit, with the agreement of the local community," he said.

Abang Johari said Sarawak was also developing other low-carbon energy sources to meet regional needs for green energy.

He said these included green hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel from algae, floating solar and biomass.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/09/sarawak-to-boost-sustainability-image-as-039asia039s-renewable-powerhouse039-says-abang-jo