(Kuching, 10th) Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Dr Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari stated that the Sarawak government hopes to increase its electricity capacity to 10 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 and to 15 gigawatts by 2035, thus solidifying Sarawak's position as a green energy powerhouse in ASEAN.
He stated that this expansion supports industry, promotes the development of green technology, and facilitates regional power exports.
"We will not stop here. Sarawak's goal is to become the 'battery of ASEAN' by providing clean energy and enhancing cross-border connectivity."
He said this during a public lecture at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore.
Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari stated that with Asia's growing demand for clean fuel, Sarawak is expanding commercial green hydrogen production, leveraging the state's abundant hydropower.
He noted that collaboration with Japan, South Korea, and China is expanding Sarawak's hydrogen supply chain, making the state a leader in the Asia-Pacific green hydrogen economy.
"However, green hydrogen alone cannot eliminate emissions from all industries. Sarawak is integrating Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) to reduce emissions in hard-to-abate sectors while unlocking new low-carbon economic opportunities."
He pointed out that Malaysia and Japan are strengthening bilateral cooperation in ammonia development and trade, recognizing ammonia's role as a low-carbon energy carrier and a key decarbonization solution.
According to him, this cooperation aligns with the clean energy transition strategies of both countries, with Sarawak being a major supplier of low-carbon ammonia to Japan.
"On this basis, we are working with Japan to convert methane into ammonia using syngas technology, maximizing resource efficiency while reducing emissions. These innovations are critical to reducing carbon emissions and strengthening Sarawak's role in industrial decarbonization."
He also noted that Sarawak is expanding low-carbon fuel production to further support industrial and energy transition efforts.
"We are expanding our low-carbon fuel program. In July last year, the Sarawak Methanol Complex was launched to drive industrial growth and support the transition to greener fuel alternatives. Last month, Sarawak Petchem made its first methanol shipment to China, with the green methanol plant groundbreaking marking a significant milestone in our green energy transition. This new plant will enhance our sustainable fuel production capacity, drive industrial growth, and support broader energy transition."
Once operational, Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari said the plant will increase low-carbon methanol production, supporting the chemical industry, power generation, transportation, and green refueling as a sustainable fuel for the shipping industry.
He stated that these initiatives are key to Sarawak's broader decarbonization strategy, combining renewable energy and carbon capture technology to lower emissions across sectors.
"As part of the low-carbon transition, we are optimizing gas resources to enable a structural shift to clean energy. The 'Sarawak Gas Roadmap' launched in November last year outlines strategies to maximize gas utilization while integrating renewable energy and CCUS to enhance energy security and sustainability."
Meanwhile, he said that biomass plays a key role in Sarawak's energy transition, with agricultural waste being converted into biofuels, biogas, and syngas to support industrial decarbonization.
He stated that to expand the commitment to clean energy, research into microalgae-based sustainable aviation fuel is progressing, providing new opportunities to reduce emissions in the aviation sector.
"Sarawak's journey toward sustainable development extends to urban development and digital transformation, creating efficient, connected, and green cities."