MIRI (Nov 30): Sarawak is set to become the “Battery of Asia” by 2035 after all of its energy resource hubs are completed by 2035, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He outlined the current development of Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power plants in Miri and Kuching, each capable of generating 500 MW of energy, with a third one in the pipeline in Bintulu, collectively producing a total of 1,500 MW.

“My target, by 2030 we will reach 10 GW (gigawatts overall). We can supply this (excess energy) to other areas including our neighbours (Asia states). For 2035, the target is 15 GW. This is only gas energy, not to mention solar. Solar energy will generate more than that.

“That’s why Sarawak will be the ‘Battery of Asia’. If we don’t have it (energy), then they (Asia) will not ‘switch on’,” he said at a press conference today, adding that Sarawak will help Asian countries by supplying and exporting electricity.

He added that this will provide income for Sarawak, adding that the energy mix technology is also Sarawak’s vision for the future.

“Our energy is sustainable energy, meaning we will not produce carbon. It is a combination of hydrogen and steam, and with this, hydrogen energy can be increased,” he said.

Currently, he said, hydrogen production from Sarawak’s energy hubs stands at 30 per cent, with the potential to increase to 50–70 per cent in the future.

This is possible because the technology used in these energy projects is cutting-edge, developed by Mitsubishi Power, he added.

“Thus, Sarawak is the first in the region to use the technology.”

“In our region (Southeast Asia) maybe Sarawak is the first to use this combined circle energy. Indonesia does not have it yet, there is none in Peninsular Malaysia, and the countries up north, namely Laos, Thailand also does not have it yet. We are the first.

“So, our electricity will have a low carbon footprint, our energy is sustainable,” he said.

Also present at the press conference were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Hui Kian; Sarawak Transport Minister Dato’ Sri Lee Kim Shin and Petros Non-Executive Chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Hamid Bugo as well as state Cabinet ministers.

Earlier, Abang Johari made a visit to personally inspect the implementation of Petros community gas infrastructure project in the Quadruplex Taman Ceria housing area in Permyjaya, here.