KUCHING (Nov 20): Sarawak has made strides in sustainable energy by commencing the export of Napier grass biomass pellets this year, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Highlighting Sarawak’s leadership in renewable energy, he said that transformative projects, including biomass energy generation, are setting benchmarks for Malaysia’s sustainability efforts.

“Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to visit the Drax Power Station in the UK (United Kingdom), which was once coal-powered but is now 100 per cent fuelled by biomass.

“After seeing this transformation firsthand, I returned to Sarawak and encouraged our local companies to explore opportunities in the biomass energy industry.

“Today, I am proud to say that Sarawak is home to the world’s first large-scale Napier grass biomass pellet manufacturer and exporter. What’s even more exciting is that we are already selling these pellets to Drax, the very same power station I visited.

“Napier grass, which grows rapidly and requires minimal replanting, offers applications beyond energy, including Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), fertilisers and animal feed, promoting a circular economy while enhancing energy and food security,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly today.

Another transformative project is the 50MW Batang Ai Floating Solar Farm, set to be Malaysia’s largest floating solar facility by the end of 2024, integrating seamlessly with the existing 108MW Batang Ai Hydroelectric Plant.

“Additional floating solar projects are advancing at the Murum, Bakun, and Bengoh Dams, alongside ground-mounted solar systems with battery support in Baram, Mukah and Kuching.

“To address solar energy’s intermittency challenges, Sarawak is making strides in smart grid technology and Energy Storage Systems. A proposed high-voltage green grid, utilising the Right-of-Way of the Sabah-Sarawak Gas Pipeline, will connect renewable energy sources to key demand centres.

“Feasibility studies for Pumped Storage Hydro systems further support grid stability, storing excess energy for use during high-demand periods, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels,” he said.

Abang Johari said that Sarawakians must dare to look beyond their 2030 target for renewable energy.

“This is not the end of our journey but merely a milestone in a much larger vision. Sarawak is exploring innovative renewable solutions like Ocean Energy Systems, which harness tidal wave, and ocean thermal energy.

“Advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Building Information Modelling (BIM), and Digital Twin, are also being employed to optimise energy planning and infrastructure development.

“While Sarawak is progressing well with the development of our renewable energy, the oil and gas sector is still a major contributor to our economy, which we must continue to harness for socio-economic development and energy security,” he added.