SHANGHAI: Sarawak’s ambition to become a regional leader in renewable energy took another step forward with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Three Gorges International Ltd (CTGI) and Shanghai Electric Power T&D Group Co. Ltd.

The MoU was formalised during the 18th International Photovoltaic Power Generation and Smart Energy Exhibition & Conference held in Shanghai, China on Tuesday.

Through this strategic collaboration, the Sarawak Government via the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) together with CTGI and Shanghai Electric will jointly conduct various studies and explore the development of a floating solar farm with a capacity not exceeding 1,000 megawatts (MW) at the Bakun Hydroelectric Plant (HEP) reservoir.

The MoU was signed by MUT Permanent Secretary, Datu Jafri Lias, CTGI Vice President, Zhang Kai Hong, and Shanghai Electric Vice President, Yang Xing Hai.

It was witnessed by Deputy Minister for Utility (Sarawak Energy Berhad and PETROS), Dato Ibrahim Baki who represented Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg.

In delivering the Sarawak Premier’s keynote speech, Dato Ibrahim expressed Sarawak’s enthusiasm for forming a strategic alliance with strong industry players like CTGI and Shanghai Electric as it aligns with the state’s goals of energy security and environmental sustainability.

“Sarawak currently has a generation capacity of approximately 5,900MW, primarily from renewable hydropower sources.

“By 2030, the state aims to achieve 10 gigawatts (GW) of generation capacity, and 15GW by 2035, with renewable sources accounting for more than 60 per cent of the mix.

“With its abundant renewable resources, Sarawak has the potential to become a renewable energy powerhouse in the region,” he said.

Dato Ibrahim who is also the Chairman of Sarawak Energy added that the state successfully generated electricity from its first large-scale floating solar installation at the Batang Ai HEP in December 2024.

He said this initiative opens the door for further development of floating solar farms in other hydropower catchment areas in Sarawak, with investments driven by the private sector. -UKASnews