KUCHING: Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, is expected to attend the International Forum on Pumped Storage Hydropower 2025 which will be held in Paris on September 9.

The International Hydropower Association (IHA) on its official website said the forum is the culmination of a global campaign on the importance of pumped storage technology, which currently accounts for nearly 90 per cent of the world's long-term energy storage capacity.

"It will bring together international leaders and energy experts to discuss policies and best practices to accelerate the development of energy storage technologies that are critical to the clean energy transition," said the IHA in a statement on the forum's website.

This commitment is also in line with the aspirations of the Global Energy Storage and Grids Pledge, which was finalised during COP29 with the participation of 58 countries, including a target of 1,500 GW of global energy storage capacity, doubling grid investment, and building 25 million kilometres of new grid infrastructure by 2030.

The presence of the Sarawak Premier, who also leads the portfolios of Minister of Finance and New Economy, Minister of Urban Development and Natural Resources, and Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability, underscores his position as a key supporter of the environmental sustainability and green economy agenda.

Under his leadership, Sarawak achieved high-income status in 2022, seven years ahead of target, and is now emerging as a regional leader in hydrogen energy, renewable energy, carbon trading, and the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) based on algae biomass.

This initiative is also strengthened through the introduction of the Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint which emphasises a long-term strategic roadmap for a comprehensive transition towards a green economy and the Sarawak Energy Transition Policy which will guide the state’s transition towards a low-carbon, secure and inclusive energy future.

“His administration is driving Sarawak’s transformation by leveraging global trends including digitalisation, Industrial Revolution 4.0, the circular economy, and supply chain resilience.

“The Sarawak Premier has also shared his vision for a green economy and net zero target at various international forums in Europe, Singapore and Japan,” IHA added. -UKASnews