Sarawak Energy, Malaysia’s leading renewable energy developer, has sealed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Masdar, the Abu Dhabi-based clean energy giant, during the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) in Dubai. This strategic collaboration aims to significantly advance renewable energy projects across Sarawak and Malaysia.
The partnership is poised to focus on various key areas, leveraging innovative technologies like Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) for the development of renewable energy projects.
One of the immediate goals outlined in the MoU is a joint effort to establish 2 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy projects in Malaysia, with an initial phase kickstarting by developing 1 GW of projects in Sarawak. Additionally, the collaboration between Sarawak Energy and Masdar will explore opportunities in hydro projects spanning Malaysia.
Sarawak holds substantial hydropower potential, as studies dating back to the 1960s suggest approximately 20,000MW, with 8000MW from high potential sites. Sarawak Energy has already tapped into 3.452GW from the Bakun, Murum, and Batang Ai hydropower plants, with plans to commission the 1.285 GW Baleh HEP by the decade’s end.
The region’s shift towards renewable hydropower began in the 1980s, marked by the commissioning of the Batang Ai Hydroelectric Plant in 1985. Over four decades of experience in hydropower development have positioned Sarawak Energy as Malaysia’s hydropower specialist, envisioning itself as a regional renewable energy powerhouse committed to sustainability.
Datuk Haji Sharbini Suhaili, CEO of Sarawak Energy Group, emphasized the importance of international collaboration in maximizing renewable energy resources, affirming the partnership’s role in advancing a sustainable future for Malaysia.
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, expressed pride in bolstering support for Malaysia’s renewable energy ambitions, highlighting Masdar’s extensive experience in deploying clean energy projects at scale.
The MoU formalization took place at the Masdar Pavilion within COP28’s Energy Transition Hub, witnessed by Sarawak’s Premier, The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, and Deputy Premier, The Honourable Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah bin Ali Hasan. This collaboration underscores a significant stride in international cooperation for sustainable and renewable energy solutions, following a prior MoU between Masdar and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) in October 2023, signaling an investment commitment of US$8 billion (RM37 billion) for up to 10 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy projects.
Source : Solar Quarter