SIBU (July 1): Sarawak aims to achieve a solar energy production capacity of 1,500 megawatts (MW) by 2030, said Minister of Utility and Telecommunications Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi.

He disclosed that the Murum and Bakun dams have been identified as potential sites for future floating solar projects, and added that several keen investors had also been identified.

“The floating solar project at the Batang Ai Dam, with a 50MW capacity, has been operational since December 2024.

“The success of this project has opened up opportunities for the development of other Large Scale Solar (LSS) projects, including floating solar at the Batang Ai, Bakun and Murum dams,” he said.

He said this when met by reporters after a ceremony to hand over the accreditation certificate to University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) as the certified Training and Examination Centre for Solar Photovoltaic System Design, here yesterday.

In this regard, Julaihi said active participation from the private sector and the public is strongly encouraged to ensure that this target is achieved, thereby strengthening collective efforts toward a clean, safe, and competitive energy future.

Additionally, he said the Sarawak government is targeting an electricity generation capacity of 10,000MW by 2030.

“As of now, the total energy we are generating stands at 5,898MW compared to the current demand of 4,897MW.”

In his speech earlier, he mentioned that with a generation mix consisting of at least 60 per cent from renewable energy sources like hydro, solar, and biomass, this goal is part of the efforts to achieve Sarawak’s aspiration of becoming the ‘Battery of Asean’.

Julaihi also shared about the Additional and Late Applicant Fund (Alaf) projects under the 12th Malaysia Plan, where the Sarawak government had set aside RM315 million for its implementation.

He said from Phase 1 to Phase 4, which is still ongoing, Alaf has benefitted over 21,000 households.

“The Sarawak government has approved RM550 million under the 13th Malaysia Plan to continue implementing Alaf projects, which are expected to benefit over 30,000 rural households,” he added.

He also touched on how the amendment to the Electricity Ordinance 2023 has appointed Sarawak Energy as the Single Buyer.

“This amendment aims to facilitate the development and private sector investment in energy generation through renewable sources such as LSS, including floating solar at the Batang Ai Dam.”