Sarawak Partners DNV Norway To Fast-Track Clean Energy Development
KUCHING: Sarawak’s collaboration through the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability (MEESty) with DNV Norway will help accelerate the implementation of clean energy development in the state.
MEESty Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni stated that as Sarawak progresses into the implementation phase of new energy development, the state requires the expertise of the organisation, which functions as a global verification body to ensure that the standards and quality of its green energy projects comply with international benchmarks.
He said this is crucial as Sarawak not only supplies energy domestically but is also expanding its energy market to neighbouring states and countries including long-term plans involving the Asia-Pacific region.
“In terms of its geographical perspective in the Asia-Pacific region, Sarawak is strategically positioned at the centre in contrast to Australia which is more distant and entails higher costs.
“Therefore, the state government is formulating a new plan to further strengthen and boost the development of the green energy industry in the region, encompassing key markets such as China, Japan, Korea and other countries, which represents a major opportunity for Sarawak,” he noted.
He made these remarks during a press conference following a meeting with DNV’s Regional Head of Energy Systems for Hydrogen and CCUS in Asia Pacific Dr Thomas Koller, held at his office here on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Datuk Dr Hazland said the global energy landscape is evolving rapidly particularly due to geopolitical uncertainties including conflicts in the Middle East which are prompting countries to reduce their reliance on oil and gas.
Against this backdrop, Sarawak stands in a strong position to tap into these emerging opportunities.
“With abundant natural resources such as hydropower and solar, Sarawak is capable of generating green energy at lower costs compared to other countries, thereby positioning the state as the Battery of Asia,” he explained.
He emphasised that Sarawak has been laying the groundwork for four to five years, encompassing infrastructure development, legislative frameworks, and human resource training to support the green energy ecosystem. -UKASnews
