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KUCHING: Sarawak expects to produce 7,000 megawatt (MW) of electricity by 2020 which will attract some RM20 billion worth of investments, says Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) chief executive officer Torstein Dale Sjotveit.
He said most of the power supply will come from hydroelectric power (HEP) and the rest from coal-fired power stations.
“We are confident of producing some 7,000 MW of electricity in the next eight years that will attract some RM20 billion investment,” Torstein said at a media luncheon and briefing at a leading hotel here yesterday.
He added that most of the power would be derived from HEP dams such as Bakun, Murum, Pelagus, Baram, Limbang and Lawas.
“Electricity from these dams could easily reach 6,000MW and the remaining 1,000MW would come from coal-fired power stations in Mukah, Balingian and Ng Merit,” said Torstein.
He added that three of Bakun’s eight turbines were now harnessing electricity while the rest would be operational by end of the year.
As for Murum dam, he said it would be completed by end of this year. It was now 55 per cent completed. The impoundment of Murum dam was expected to be carried out by the beginning of next year, he said.
He said SEB would enhance its expertise on Murum dam by sending its staff for further training in China and Tasmania (Australia).
Torstein also disclosed that last year alone, SEB had signed term sheets with five major energy users namely Press Metal Bhd, OM Holding, Asia Mineral Ltd, Tokuyama Corp and PLN which required a total of 1,800 MW of electricity.
On another subject, Torstein said that Sarawak would host the International Hydro Association (IHA) World Congress from May 21-24 next year. It will bring together a range of key actors from all over the world.
Decision-makers and representatives from industry, civil society, international organisations and the financial sector will exchange views on energy, water and climate change and solutions that hydropower can provide for sustainable development.