KUCHING: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg recently led a Sarawak delegation to the Drax Power Station in the United Kingdom, the largest renewable power generation site in the region, to explore advancements in bioenergy technologies, Borneo Post reported.

This visit is part of Sarawak's initiative to enhance its renewable energy capabilities.

During the visit, the Premier stressed the significance of integrating bioenergy with Sarawak's renewable energy strategy. The Drax facility, which has transitioned from coal to biomass, utilises wood waste from Canada and the United States to produce about 3.9 gigawatts (GW) of electricity, making it a model of sustainable energy practice.

"Sarawak could greatly benefit from the technologies used at Drax for converting biomass into energy, which aligns with our goal to produce renewable energy from local resources," Abang Johari said.

Drax Power, which manages the facility, contributes six per cent of the UK's electricity, with its biomass-fired units providing about 12 per cent of the UK's renewable power supply.

Plans are underway to replace its remaining coal-fired units with more efficient gas-fired units by 2025, enhancing its sustainable energy output.

The insights gained from this visit will assist Sarawak in developing similar energy solutions that are sustainable and tailored to its unique geographic and economic conditions. This initiative also supports global environmental goals and promotes energy self-sufficiency in Sarawak.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/1041684/abang-jo-highlights-bioenergys-role-boosting-sarawaks-renewable-energy