KUCHING: Sarawak continues to make strides as a regional leader in green energy leader through a strategic partnership with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) with the construction of a Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power plant in Miri which is scheduled to commence operations by the end of December 2027.

MHI Head of GTCC Business, Takuya Murase said this power plant is not just another energy project but the beginning of a close collaboration between Sarawak and MHI in hydrogen technology.

“We have received an order to supply a CCGT power plant in Miri which is specifically designed to use hydrogen as fuel.

“This is a major achievement in strengthening the future of green energy in Sarawak,” he explained.

He told reporters after leading a courtesy call on Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg at Wisma Bapa Malaysia on Tuesday.

Takuya revealed that the gas turbine production process for the power plant will begin in 2026, with deliveries to Sarawak expected around mid-year, before commercial operations of the plant begin at the end of 2027.

Meanwhile, commenting on his first visit to Sarawak, he expressed admiration for the state’s rapid development.

"I wanted to witness Sarawak's rapid development firsthand. I will also be going to Miri tomorrow for further discussions on this project," he said.

Also present during the courtesy call were Permanent Secretary to the Sarawak Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datu Abg Ahmad Abg Morni, Group Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Energy, Datuk Sharbini Suhaili, Senior Vice President of Mitsubishi Power Asia Pacific, Kazuki Ishikura, General Manager of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Kuala Lumpur (MHI-KL), Daisuke Wakasugi, Senior General Manager of Mitsubishi Power Asia Pacific, Ong Hui Leong, and Branch Head of Mitsubishi Power Asia Pacific, Masato Sakamoto. -UKASnews