KOTA KINABALU: Three Malaysian companies are conducting feasibility studies on Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion, says the chief minister.
"These companies have been given one year to complete the studies (on the renewable energy technology). The findings will be submitted to the state government," Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor told the state legislative assembly.
The Energy Commission of Sabah has also received inquiries from companies in Australia and the United Kingdom about developing the technology in the state, and these proposals are being reviewed, Hajiji said in response to a question from Datuk Yong Teck Lee (GRS-SAPP).
He also said a preliminary study is being conducted on the development of a Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion pilot project.
This study by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and Universiti Malaysia Sabah, which is expected to be completed by year end, is funded by Shell Marine Renewable Programme.
"Consultants have found that Sabah has the potential to produce 20,000 megawatts — 15,000 megawatts in the West Coast region and 5,000 megawatts in the East Coast region."
Hajiji also spoke on efforts to address global warming. Among them is coastal protection that involved the launch of the Sabah Mangrove Action Plan 2024-2033 on Oct 29.
Malaysia holds 4.7 per cent of the world's mangroves, ranking sixth after Indonesia, Brazil, Australia, Mexico and Nigeria.
"According to a 2022 study, Sabah has the largest mangrove forest in Malaysia, covering 390,526 hectares (60 per cent) of the national total."
Hajiji also said a desalination system will be installed at the POIC Lahad Datu industrial park and begin operating in March next year.
The project will be monitored for three months. If successful, desalinated water will be supplied to industrial investors.
The chief minister also said the Sabah Maju Jaya secretariat has received numerous inquiries about seabed mineral exploration.