KUCHING: Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB), together with Abu Dhabi future energy company, Masdar, are studying the feasibility of installing a floating solar photovoltaic (PV) project at the Murum dam in Belaga district that is targetted to generate 1,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity.
Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said when completed, it will be the biggest floating solar project in the world, beating the floating solar in China that generates 680 MW.
He said a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed recently between SEB and Masdar to explore the development of the floating solar project at the Murum dam.
"If realised, this development will give Sarawak an additional capacity of up to one gigawatt, more than doubling the capacity provided by the same land space," he said at the Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (SHEDA) annual dinner last night.
He said the state government is focusing on producing more power, with the excess to be shared with Peninsular Malaysia and neighbouring countries, such as Kalimantan, Brunei and Singapore.
The premier said Sarawak is expected to generate 10,000 MW of electricity by 2030 and this will be increased to 15,000 MW by 2035.
"Once we have reached the 15,000 MW, the data centres will come here, high tech industries will also be coming and we will diversify our manufacturing industries, including aerospace," he said, adding that this will become the engine of growth.
He said the decision to generate more electricity is to ensure that Sarawak can preserve and develop its energy security.
"Clean and green energy is the bedrock to our infrastructure and future," he said, adding that essential services such as transportation, telecommunications, sanitation, aviation and healthcare systems all rely on Sarawak having stable and secure power supply.
He said the state's progress cannot rest solely on the decisions of others, saying that although changes in world or domestic affairs may influence partnerships and mechanisms, the principle and focus of achieving economic prosperity, social inclusivity and environmental sustainability, remains the same.
"If you have been following the news, you will be aware that the Sarawak Government and Sarawak government-linked company (GLC) have been travelling extensively, learning new technologies, promoting Sarawak as a leading renewable energy partner and gathering investment opportunities to bring home.
He said the scale and speed at which the state is shifting its economic structure is unprecedented.
" It is aspirational. It is hope magnified for the people of Sarawak," he added.
Abang Johari added that the direction provided by the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) blueprint is extensive and property developers have ample opportunity to leverage almost every part of the plan.
On the Trust Fund for Affordable Housing, the premier said he has proposed the establishment of a trust fund to replace the current obligation for the private sector to allocate 30 per cent of their housing projects to low-cost housing.
"Since its inception, Sarawak's Affordable Housing policies have gone through several reiterations," he said, adding that these changes had been made gradually in consideration of the evolving needs of a growing population.
"Although the policies, mechanisms and methods of providing affordable housing may differ from season to season, the objective of providing such housing remains the same.
"One of the purposes of affordable housing is to promote social inclusivity and socioeconomic mobility," he said.