(Bandar Seri Begawan, 7th) Brunei's power system infrastructure is still able to meet current electricity demand, not only fulfilling the needs of its citizens and residents but also supporting the country's economic development, including foreign direct investment (FDI), especially those activities that maintain the value of our domestic GDP at low energy intensity levels.
Datuk Liu Guangming, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister of Finance and Economy, stated this in response to a question raised by Member of Parliament Pengiran Isa on the sixth day of the 21st Legislative Council session.
When discussing Brunei's ability to maintain a sustainable power supply amidst growing foreign direct investment, the Minister emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring an uninterrupted and secure electricity supply.
The Minister pointed out that with the extension of the power grid to Mukim Sukang and other rural areas of Malay Muara District, electricity coverage has nearly reached 100%.
"As part of efforts to promote economic competitiveness and attract foreign direct investment while ensuring energy security, the government continues to prioritize improvements in power infrastructure."
The Minister stated that in the short and medium-term, several new energy projects are underway, including the second phase of the Bukit Panggal Power Plant and new power plant construction by Berakas Power Company under the Twelfth National Development Plan (RKN12).
Both facilities utilize energy-efficient combined cycle technology and are expected to begin operation between 2027 and 2028. These developments will increase our country's total installed capacity to 1.2 gigawatts, over 35% more than current levels, ensuring sufficient energy supply to meet future demands.
Looking forward, the Ministry of Energy is formulating an energy master plan to guide the development of the power industry in 2035 and beyond. This initiative involves close collaboration with key stakeholders, including relevant ministries and the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB), to align future power demand with national economic goals.
The Minister emphasized the importance of long-term planning, especially in adapting to foreign investment projects with high energy demands. Given the extended timeframes and significant financial allocations required for power infrastructure expansion, investment will be made through the budget of the 12th National Development Plan or via public-private partnership financing models.
Brunei continues to welcome foreign direct investment, and the Ministry of Energy facilitates investors interested in establishing private power plants. Existing major foreign direct investment projects, such as Brunei Methanol Company Private Limited, Brunei Fertilizer Industries Private Limited, and Hengyi Industries Private Limited, have successfully implemented self-sufficient power generation solutions.
At the same time, emerging industries are encouraged to explore alternative renewable energies, including solar power, to meet their private energy needs.
Datuk Liu Guangming, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister of Finance and Economy, stated this in response to a question raised by Member of Parliament Pengiran Isa on the sixth day of the 21st Legislative Council session.
When discussing Brunei's ability to maintain a sustainable power supply amidst growing foreign direct investment, the Minister emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring an uninterrupted and secure electricity supply.
The Minister pointed out that with the extension of the power grid to Mukim Sukang and other rural areas of Malay Muara District, electricity coverage has nearly reached 100%.
"As part of efforts to promote economic competitiveness and attract foreign direct investment while ensuring energy security, the government continues to prioritize improvements in power infrastructure."
The Minister stated that in the short and medium-term, several new energy projects are underway, including the second phase of the Bukit Panggal Power Plant and new power plant construction by Berakas Power Company under the Twelfth National Development Plan (RKN12).
Both facilities utilize energy-efficient combined cycle technology and are expected to begin operation between 2027 and 2028. These developments will increase our country's total installed capacity to 1.2 gigawatts, over 35% more than current levels, ensuring sufficient energy supply to meet future demands.
Looking forward, the Ministry of Energy is formulating an energy master plan to guide the development of the power industry in 2035 and beyond. This initiative involves close collaboration with key stakeholders, including relevant ministries and the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB), to align future power demand with national economic goals.
The Minister emphasized the importance of long-term planning, especially in adapting to foreign investment projects with high energy demands. Given the extended timeframes and significant financial allocations required for power infrastructure expansion, investment will be made through the budget of the 12th National Development Plan or via public-private partnership financing models.
Brunei continues to welcome foreign direct investment, and the Ministry of Energy facilitates investors interested in establishing private power plants. Existing major foreign direct investment projects, such as Brunei Methanol Company Private Limited, Brunei Fertilizer Industries Private Limited, and Hengyi Industries Private Limited, have successfully implemented self-sufficient power generation solutions.
At the same time, emerging industries are encouraged to explore alternative renewable energies, including solar power, to meet their private energy needs.