LAWAS: The development of the Kota 2 Mini Hydroelectric Plant and the Kota 1 Mini Hydro Plant demonstrates Sarawak’s capability to optimise renewable energy resources through the concept of a tiered or ‘cascading power source’, while simultaneously supporting the state’s sustainable energy development agenda.

Sarawak Energy Vice President (Hydro), Jonny Wong, said the cascading power source concept, a system in which water used to generate electricity at one plant is reused downstream to produce additional power, is one of the key pillars of Sarawak’s renewable energy agenda, in line with the state government’s aspiration to develop an energy system that is sustainable, resilient and environmentally friendly.

He added that, looking ahead to 2035, more projects of this nature are planned to ensure the stability of electricity supply and to reduce reliance on fuel-based generation such as diesel or thermal fuels.

“For the Kota 2 Mini Hydroelectric Plant and the Kota 1 Mini Hydro Plant, these are two separate projects, but they operate in a cascading manner.

“What happens is that the water source used at the Kota 2 Mini Hydroelectric Plant is reused at the Kota 1 Mini Hydro Plant.

“This is what is meant by the cascading power source concept, and it serves as a very good example,” he said.

He was speaking to the media during a Media Familiarisation Trip at the Kota 2 Mini Hydroelectric Plant here on Friday.

Meanwhile, Jonny explained that this approach has minimal impact on the environment as it does not involve the construction of large dams and relies solely on the river’s natural flow.

“From an operational perspective, in the long term the cost is lower compared with energy generation using fuels such as diesel or thermal fuel,” he said.

He also stressed that hydropower remains one of the core pillars of the Sarawak Government’s commitment to ensuring that 60 per cent of the state’s energy mix comes from renewable sources. -UKASnews