KUCHING (Jan 19): Sarawak is set to establish a dedicated faculty for renewable energy at i-CATS University College in collaboration with Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros), said Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

The Premier announced this initiative in response to Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof’s proposal to create a specialised institution for renewable energy in Sarawak, with the aim to make renewable energy a part of the state’s social culture.

“I agree with the suggestion, and we will develop a faculty at i-CATS University College specifically for the energy programme. We can collaborate with SEB and Petros, and the courses will be conducted at i-CATS,” he said during the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Southern Zone Branch Delegates Meeting at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.

Explaining the rationale behind the choice, the Premier said: “i-CATS is owned by the Sarawak government. Secondly, Sarawakian residents eligible to enter the faculty will be offered free education at this university. This will produce scientists and energy experts, including in the field of synthetic gas.”

He emphasised that this initiative aligns with Sarawak’s long-term vision of advancing its energy sector while fostering local talent to drive the industry forward.

Earlier, in his welcoming speech, Fadillah said Abang Johari’s visionary leadership has driven the state’s remarkable achievements in renewable energy, enabling Sarawak to reach a 62 per cent renewable energy capacity mix by 2024.

This surpasses the 60 per cent target outlined in the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

He highlighted that renewable energy has been identified as a key enabler for socio-economic growth, propelling Sarawak towards becoming a high-income state by 2030.

“Recently, Sarawak’s advancements in hydrogen research have successfully attracted investment interests from Japan and South Korea, positioning the state as a major hydrogen economy hub in Asia,” he added.

“We may not know when our Premier began studying renewable energy, but his expertise and foresight have undoubtedly elevated Sarawak’s economy and development. Alhamdulillah, everything initiated by our Premier has propelled Sarawak further.

“As the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (Petra), I frequently seek advice and guidance from the Premier on renewable energy matters. Thank you, YAB Premier.”

Fadillah also proposed the establishment of a specialised institution for renewable energy in Sarawak.

“I am pleased to suggest that our Premier consider setting up a dedicated institution for renewable energy, enabling it to become part of Sarawak’s social culture,” he added.