KUCHING (Sept 10): Assessments carried out on the construction of cascading dams in Sarawak have identified several sites with a combined hydropower generation potential of up to three gigawatts, said Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

In his keynote address at the International Forum on Pumped Storage Hydropower 2025 at the Unesco headquarters in Paris, France yesterday, the Sarawak Premier said studies on the implementation of the dams are now at an advanced stage.

He said when setting out the state’s ambitious roadmap for clean and sustainable energy, Sarawak is well on track to becoming a regional renewable energy hub, powered mainly by hydropower, solar and biomass.

“We are committed to keeping at least 60 per cent of our energy mix renewable by 2030, with a target of 10 gigawatts of capacity.

“Our approach decouples growth from emissions, so we can move towards net zero while still driving economic development,” he said.

Abang Johari also said Sarawak’s Energy Transition Policy is expected to bring major benefits, including RM550 billion in cumulative gross domestic product, 80,000 new jobs, and up to RM700 billion in investments.

“Importantly, more than 75 per cent of income gains will go to low and middle income groups.

Adding on, the Premier said Sarawak’s big advantage is its strong base in hydropower, with dams at Batang Ai, Bakun, Murum, and soon Baleh already supplying reliable electricity.

“Bakun was recently certified as Southeast Asia’s largest sustainable hydropower plant. But we are not stopping there.

“Sarawak is pioneering new projects such as Malaysia’s first floating solar farm at Batang Ai and the country’s first utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System at Sejingkat. Studies are also underway for more floating solar projects at Murum, Bakun, and Padawan reservoirs.”

Looking ahead, Abang Johari said pumped storage hydropower will be key to balancing the grid and meeting Sarawak’s longer-term goal of 15 gigawatts by 2035.

Calling for more regional and international cooperation, he said Sarawak is ready to share expertise and contribute to Southeast Asia’s clean energy transition.