Sarawak to Retire Ageing Coal Plants and Expand Renewable Energy
Sarawak Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, announced the state's strategy to progressively retire ageing coal-fired power plants while expanding renewable energy sources. The transition aims to ensure a cleaner, secure, and sustainable energy system by leveraging cascading power solutions, solar energy, and natural gas as a lower-emission transition fuel. Dr Hazland confirmed that the Balingian Coal-Fired Power Plant, commissioned in 2019, will be the last coal project in Sarawak for the foreseeable future. Additionally, the state is committed to developing a clean hydrogen economy under the Sarawak Energy Transition Policy. Initiatives include the Kuching Low Carbon Gas Hub and low-carbon methanol projects to strengthen midstream capabilities. Domestic demand for hydrogen will be stimulated through catalyst projects like the Kuching Urban Transportation System, which plans to use hydrogen-powered transit. Hydrogen demand is projected to reach one tonne per day by early 2027, increasing to two tonnes by 2029. This phased approach balances export readiness with local market development, aiming to build local capabilities and secure long-term international offtake arrangements for green chemicals and e-fuels.
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Sarawak to Retire Ageing Coal Plants and Expand Renewable Energy
Sarawak Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, announced the state's strategy to progressively retire ageing coal-fired power plants while expanding renewable energy sources. The transition aims to ensure a cleaner, secure, and sustainable energy system by leveraging cascading power solutions, solar energy, and natural gas as a lower-emission transition fuel. Dr Hazland confirmed that the Balingian Coal-Fired Power Plant, commissioned in 2019, will be the last coal project in Sarawak for the foreseeable future. Additionally, the state is committed to developing a clean hydrogen economy under the Sarawak Energy Transition Policy. Initiatives include the Kuching Low Carbon Gas Hub and low-carbon methanol projects to strengthen midstream capabilities. Domestic demand for hydrogen will be stimulated through catalyst projects like the Kuching Urban Transportation System, which plans to use hydrogen-powered transit. Hydrogen demand is projected to reach one tonne per day by early 2027, increasing to two tonnes by 2029. This phased approach balances export readiness with local market development, aiming to build local capabilities and secure long-term international offtake arrangements for green chemicals and e-fuels.
Borneo Post Online