(Kuching, 28th) — The Sarawak government has called on regional governments, industries, and financial institutions to work together to advance the development goals of clean energy in ASEAN.
Yesterday, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg delivered a keynote speech at the Singapore International Energy Week 2025 (SIEW 2025), outlining Sarawak's grand vision to become a regional clean energy powerhouse, centered on sustainable hydropower and cross-border grid integration.
Abang Johari pointed out that Sarawak's development strategy is based on three key policies—the Sarawak Energy Transition Policy (SET-P), the Hydrogen Economy Roadmap, and the Sustainability Blueprint—with the aim of transforming Sarawak into a renewable energy-driven high-income economy by 2030.
“Through the Sarawak Energy Transition Policy, we are charting a pragmatic and equitable low-carbon economy pathway—rooted in a solid hydropower foundation and expanding into renewable energy, hydrogen, and carbon capture sectors.
By 2050, this transformation is expected to generate over 130 billion USD (approximately 614 billion MYR) in GDP for Sarawak, create 80,000 new jobs, attract global investments, and ensure that the people share in the achievements.”
He said that Sarawak's goal is to achieve a total installed generation capacity of 10GW by 2030, utilizing indigenous renewable energy such as cascading run-of-river hydropower projects (with a projected potential of 3GW), and complementing with solar and natural gas generation to ensure a balanced energy mix.
On Sarawak’s innovation in renewable energy integration, Abang Johari noted that the Batang Ai Floating Solar Project—Malaysia's first large-scale hydro-solar hybrid project—officially started generating power in December 2024. Authorities are also expanding Batang Ai and conducting feasibility studies for the Bakun and Murum dams.
He mentioned that Sarawak's flagship project—the Bakun Hydroelectric Plant—recently received the 2025 Blue Planet Prize from the International Hydropower Association (IHA), and achieved certification under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS), making it Southeast Asia's first large hydropower plant to receive this honor.
Meanwhile, he revealed that Singapore’s Energy Market Authority (EMA) has granted conditional approval for Sarawak to export 1GW of renewable energy to Singapore, and this milestone project is about to enter the implementation stage.
“This cooperation will strengthen Singapore’s energy security while driving Sarawak’s economic growth, further solidifying our position as a regional leader in renewable energy.”
Abang Johari added that Sarawak relies on decades of responsible hydropower development and robust grid infrastructure, including the 275kV and 500kV main transmission systems, to enable efficient cross-border power transmission.
Looking ahead, he revealed that Sarawak is planning the 'Borneo Grid', a key step towards the ASEAN Power Grid, which will connect Sarawak with Sabah, Brunei, and West Kalimantan, building a truly interconnected regional power network.
In closing, Abang Johari reiterated that governments, industries, and financial institutions must strengthen cooperation to jointly realize ASEAN’s clean energy aspirations.
“Sarawak will continue to commit to leading sustainable hydropower development and promote regional energy integration.
We sincerely invite partners from all sectors—government, industry, and finance—to join us in igniting the power of progress, connecting regional economies, and creating a cleaner, brighter future for ASEAN.”
Yesterday, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg delivered a keynote speech at the Singapore International Energy Week 2025 (SIEW 2025), outlining Sarawak's grand vision to become a regional clean energy powerhouse, centered on sustainable hydropower and cross-border grid integration.
Abang Johari pointed out that Sarawak's development strategy is based on three key policies—the Sarawak Energy Transition Policy (SET-P), the Hydrogen Economy Roadmap, and the Sustainability Blueprint—with the aim of transforming Sarawak into a renewable energy-driven high-income economy by 2030.
“Through the Sarawak Energy Transition Policy, we are charting a pragmatic and equitable low-carbon economy pathway—rooted in a solid hydropower foundation and expanding into renewable energy, hydrogen, and carbon capture sectors.
By 2050, this transformation is expected to generate over 130 billion USD (approximately 614 billion MYR) in GDP for Sarawak, create 80,000 new jobs, attract global investments, and ensure that the people share in the achievements.”
He said that Sarawak's goal is to achieve a total installed generation capacity of 10GW by 2030, utilizing indigenous renewable energy such as cascading run-of-river hydropower projects (with a projected potential of 3GW), and complementing with solar and natural gas generation to ensure a balanced energy mix.
On Sarawak’s innovation in renewable energy integration, Abang Johari noted that the Batang Ai Floating Solar Project—Malaysia's first large-scale hydro-solar hybrid project—officially started generating power in December 2024. Authorities are also expanding Batang Ai and conducting feasibility studies for the Bakun and Murum dams.
He mentioned that Sarawak's flagship project—the Bakun Hydroelectric Plant—recently received the 2025 Blue Planet Prize from the International Hydropower Association (IHA), and achieved certification under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS), making it Southeast Asia's first large hydropower plant to receive this honor.
Meanwhile, he revealed that Singapore’s Energy Market Authority (EMA) has granted conditional approval for Sarawak to export 1GW of renewable energy to Singapore, and this milestone project is about to enter the implementation stage.
“This cooperation will strengthen Singapore’s energy security while driving Sarawak’s economic growth, further solidifying our position as a regional leader in renewable energy.”
Abang Johari added that Sarawak relies on decades of responsible hydropower development and robust grid infrastructure, including the 275kV and 500kV main transmission systems, to enable efficient cross-border power transmission.
Looking ahead, he revealed that Sarawak is planning the 'Borneo Grid', a key step towards the ASEAN Power Grid, which will connect Sarawak with Sabah, Brunei, and West Kalimantan, building a truly interconnected regional power network.
In closing, Abang Johari reiterated that governments, industries, and financial institutions must strengthen cooperation to jointly realize ASEAN’s clean energy aspirations.
“Sarawak will continue to commit to leading sustainable hydropower development and promote regional energy integration.
We sincerely invite partners from all sectors—government, industry, and finance—to join us in igniting the power of progress, connecting regional economies, and creating a cleaner, brighter future for ASEAN.”