KOTA KINABALU: Sarawak’s hydropower foundation will be further strengthened with an additional 1,285MW of hydropower capacity in Baleh Hydroelectric Plant (HEP) scheduled to come on stream by 2030.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak today has 3,558MW of large-scale hydropower capacity in operation, forming the backbone of a stable, low-carbon electricity system.
“Sarawak is blessed with abundant, predominantly renewable energy resources, particularly hydropower.
“This foundation will be further strengthened with an additional 1,285 MW of hydropower capacity in Baleh, scheduled to come on stream by 2030, giving a total of 4,843 MW of hydropower when we include the present 3,558 MW by 2030,” he said in his speech during the official ceremony for the ‘Energisation of the Sarawak-Sabah Power Grid Interconnection Project’ held at the Sabah International Convention Centre here on Saturday (Jan 24).
Abang Johari said Sarawak is also exploring the development of cascading hydropower and floating solar installations on existing reservoirs to increase its total generating capacity to 10 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 and 15GW by 2035.
He noted that these initiatives are aimed at positioning Sarawak as a regional renewable energy powerhouse and the “battery of ASEAN”.
In this context, he said the Sarawak-Sabah Interconnection serves as a practical demonstration of how renewable energy resources can support the energy transition in real and tangible ways.
According to him, the interconnection enables greater operational flexibility between the two power systems, enhances overall system reliability and strengthens energy security.
“With this interconnection, electrons can now flow more efficiently across state boundaries, optimising the use of generation resources and ensuring supply is available where and when it is needed most,” he said.
Abang Johari said this level of energy resilience provides businesses with the confidence to invest, industries with the assurance to expand, and communities with the certainty of a reliable and secure electricity supply.
Importantly, he added, the strengthened energy resilience will enable shared growth, delivering long-term benefits for both Sarawak and Sabah while creating lasting value for the people of Borneo.