KOTA KINABALU: The energisation of the Sarawak–Sabah Power Grid Interconnection project has been described as the primary catalyst for the development of the Borneo Power Grid, further supporting the realisation of the wider ASEAN Power Grid.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, said that whilst regional energy-sharing efforts have been initiated, a comprehensive multilateral cooperation framework among the 11 ASEAN member nations to develop an integrated regional power grid system has yet to be established.

According to the Premier, ASEAN requires such a model to navigate the numerous legal considerations and various national interests that must be addressed.

"Actually, we have already started, and I had the opportunity to voice our views during the Energy Summit in Putrajaya previously. Our view is that, at present, there is still no cooperation framework among the 11 ASEAN member countries.

"I also propose that ASEAN examines the electricity interconnection model utilised in the European Union. We can refer not only to the European Union but also to the Nordic countries that supply electricity via submarine cables. Therefore, we do not need to create something entirely new; we can instead use energy cooperation in Europe as a model for ASEAN," he said.

He made these remarks to the media following the Energisation of the Sarawak–Sabah Power Grid Interconnection Project Ceremony at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here on Saturday.

Also in attendance were Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor and other distinguished guests.

Elaborating further, the Premier explained that the now-operational Sarawak–Sabah power grid integration serves as a vital starting point for the formation of the Borneo Grid, bolstered by the existing interconnection between Sarawak and Kalimantan.

He also noted that Sarawak has agreed to supply electricity to Brunei Darussalam, which will form the core of the Borneo Power Grid, alongside potential connections to the southern Philippines and an agreement to supply electricity to Singapore.

"In other words, this effort has already begun. However, most of these initiatives remain bilateral rather than multilateral.

"What is required is a multilateral cooperation framework among the 11 ASEAN member states. At the very least, we can begin with the Borneo Grid. Therefore, it is essential for us to plan and map out the future of energy in Borneo," he said.

Touching on Sarawak's energy planning, he said the state sits in a highly strategic position with the availability of ample energy resources, including renewable energy and low-carbon gas-based energy.

"As I mentioned, we are very fortunate to have sufficient energy resources, including renewable energy and low-carbon energy through the use of gas, such as gas turbines and combined cycle systems. Currently, we are developing a generation capacity of 500 megawatt in Miri and 1,000 megawatt in Bintulu.

"This means that by 2030, the total installed capacity will reach 10,000 megawatt or 10 gigawatt, which can form the basis for energy sharing in Borneo," he explained.—UKASnews

Reporter: Muller Asen
Translator: Ryan Lim
Photographer: Ameerul Syafiq Khir