KUCHING: Sarawak is studying the possibility of expanding its use of hydroelectric energy to meet the needs of the state’s economic development as well as open more business and job opportunities for the future.
Assistant Minister for Public Utilities (Electricity and Telecommunications) Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi said the state has already identified the sites for two possible hydroelectric dams in Limbang and Trusan.
“A thorough study is currently underway to determine the state’s energy capacity needs, including those from hydroelectricity.
“If studies suggest that this is the direction we should head to, we plan to build to more hydroelectric plants (HEP) in northern Sarawak,” he said.
Sarawak currently has three fully-operational HEPs which are Batang Ai which generates 108 megawatts (MW), Bakun (2, 400 MW) and Murum (944 MW).
The Baleh HEP, which can supply 1,200 MW of power, is expected to be fully completed by 2025.
Meanwhile, he said the state government aims to have the whole of Sarawak fully equipped with electricity by 2025.
“This will be achieved via the Rural Electrification Scheme (RES), Rural Power Supply Scheme (RPSS) which includes hybrid alternative renewable energy, and Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (SARES), which utilises solar panels or microhydro.