| 1. |
Q |
Is the Ministry considering opening the renewable power Independent Power Producer (IPP) application process to foreign proponents? |
| A |
The application is open to all interested local and foreign proponents who meet the requirements, including land, technical, and commercial criteria. To participate in the local energy market, proponents must understand local needs and regulatory requirements. For investment considerations, particularly for foreign investors, this Ministry will direct interested proponents to Invest Sarawak for guidance on regulations, advice, and strategic direction. |
| 2. |
Q |
How does grid connection access be granted? |
| A |
If multiple applications are received for the same area, the evaluation will be based on technical feasibility, system planning, and other relevant considerations. Priority may not be determined on a first-come, first-served basis. Access to grid connection points will depend on availability. |
| 3. |
Q |
Who will be responsible for the construction, grid connection and commissioning of the new generation project? |
| A |
Project owners are responsible for the construction, grid connection, and commissioning of the new generation project. The licensee is required to pay the licence fee and annual renewal fee and report to the Director of Electricity Supply on the Commercial Operation Date (COD) as provided for under the State Grid Code Rules and terms under the licence. |
| 4. |
Q |
Is this guideline limited to large scale solar only? |
| A |
The process flow is applicable for all type of generation. However, currently only the checklist for ground mounted large scale solar guideline is provided together with the SOP as Appendix 2. SEB will provide the necessary guidelines and requirements for other renewable energy sources i.e., floating solar, cascading power sources or biomass, as needed. |
| 5. |
Q |
How about ownership of Renewable Energy Certificate (REC)? |
| A |
The Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) ownership for IPP selling power to the Grid is with SEB, subject to negotiation between the IPP and SEB. |
| 6. |
Q |
Is there any minimum capacity for projects requiring Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri (MMKN) approval? |
| A |
IPP projects generating more than 50kW shall require a licence approved by the MMKN. |
| 7. |
Q |
What is the process flow if using wheeling trough the Grid route? |
| A |
The process flow is same for wheeling route, where if the initial proposal is accepted for wheeling through the Grid, it will enter Stage 2 - Planning and Development with Single Buyer. |
| 8. |
Q |
Will all processes be completed within the “duration” specified in the SOP? |
| A |
The "duration" is an indicative period to complete the process and not a commitment. |
| 9. |
Q |
Does all proposal need to be submitted to MUT? |
| A |
All proposals for IPP can be directed to the Single Buyer, who will update the information to MUT. |
| 10. |
Q |
How does the Single Buyer involve in the wheeling pathway for an IPP? |
| A |
IPP will be required to provide a proposal accepted by Single Buyer to wheel power through the Sarawak Grid. |
| 11. |
Q |
Does the Grid System Operator (GSO) need to be involved in the process to evaluate the proposal for new power generation or wheeling of power through the Grid? |
| A |
Yes, Single Buyer will coordinate feedback from the Grid System Operator (GSO), Transmission Network System Provider (TNSP) and Distribution Network System Provider (DNSP) in evaluating the proponent's proposal. |
| 12. |
Q |
Does MUT need to issue a wheeling licence to SEB? |
| A |
SEB do not require a separate license for wheeling through the Grid as Syarikat SESCO Berhad is a licensee to generate, transmit, distribute and retail electricity under the Electricity Ordinance [Cap.50]. |
| 13. |
Q |
What is the standard for Line-In Line-Out (LILO) connection to SEB's transmission lines and how does this compare to international standards with respect to solar photovoltaic (PV) power injection to the Grid in more established countries? |
| A |
SEB does not allow LILO connection to its main transmission Grid and any exceptions shall require strong justification. |
| 14. |
Q |
What is the standard for Line-In Line Out (LILO) connection to SEB’s transmission lines and how does this compare to international standards with respect to solar photovoltaic (PV) power injection to the Grid in more established countries? |
| A |
SEB does not allow LILO connection to its main transmission Grid as this pose risk to the system. Any exceptions shall require strong justification. |
| 15. |
Q |
Are there specific criteria for selecting a company – ideally, only financially strong companies with a proven track record should be considered as IPP? |
| A |
Section 6(2) of the Electricity Ordinance [Cap.50] provides for a licence to be suspended or revoked if there is any breach to the licence conditions or failure to comply with any provisions under the Ordinance including payment of licence fee. |
| 16. |
Q |
Who is responsible for engaging stakeholders, including the community, for the purpose of project study and development? |
| A |
The project owner is responsible for conducting engagements with all relevant stakeholders—including the respective ministries, agencies, departments, and the local community. These engagements are undertaken to support data collection, inform project development, and fulfil any additional requirements necessary to advance the proposal. |