Sarawak Studies Austria’s Hydropower Success to Strengthen Sustainable Development Planning
VIENNA: Sarawak is looking to strengthen its renewable energy and sustainable development agenda by drawing valuable lessons from Austria’s hydropower sector during an official visit to the Freudenau Hydropower Plant in Vienna.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan led a state delegation to the facility, where they were welcomed by Head of Hydro Consulting of VERBUND Hydro Power GmbH, Mr. Wilfried Reich, and representatives of the Freudenau Hydropower Plant.
Speaking during the visit, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah said the study tour was highly relevant to Sarawak’s development aspirations, particularly as the state continues to leverage its vast renewable energy resources in line with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
He noted that Sarawak’s recognition by the World Bank as a high-income economy marked an important milestone, but emphasised that future growth must be supported by reliable infrastructure, cleaner energy use and improved quality of life for all communities.
“This visit to Freudenau Hydropower Plant is highly relevant to Sarawak because it demonstrates how hydropower infrastructure can support clean energy generation while being planned together with river management, urban development, environmental protection and public awareness,” he said.
Datuk Amar Awang Tengah explained that the Freudenau project provides an important benchmark for the preparation of the Limbang Lawas Local Plan 2035, particularly in integrating land use planning with energy planning, river basin management, infrastructure readiness and environmental safeguards.
He added that the experience gained from Freudenau highlights the role of renewable energy in supporting low-carbon development, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and strengthening climate resilience while protecting water resources, biodiversity and environmentally sensitive areas.
“The knowledge gained from Freudenau Hydropower Plant will strengthen our approach to renewable energy planning, low-carbon development, climate resilience and sustainable regional planning,” he said, adding that the visit supports Sarawak’s aspiration to become a regional clean energy powerhouse and the “Green Battery of ASEAN”. — UKASnews
