KOTA SAMARAHAN (Nov 5): Middle Eastern investors have expressed strong interest in developing floating solar projects at Sarawak’s hydroelectric dams, including Bakun and Murum, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Speaking at the third session of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak’s (Unimas) 29th Convocation Ceremony here yesterday, Abang Johari said the state continues to strengthen its position as a leader in renewable energy development.

He said the ongoing Baleh Hydroelectric Project, with a capacity of 1,285 megawatts (MW), is among four major hydro projects in Sarawak that will support the state’s energy transition and future power export initiatives to neighbouring countries by the end of the decade.

“Sarawak is also leading in hydro-solar integration. At Batang Ai, the existing 50MW floating solar generation will be expanded to 120MW, bringing the total to 170MW,” he said, adding that the project could become the largest floating solar facility in Malaysia based on the combined surface area of the state’s four hydro reservoirs.

Abang Johari said based on Sarawak’s strong green energy generation capacity, the state government is targeting 10 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy by 2030 and 15GW by 2035, in line with its aspiration to become a regional green energy powerhouse.

He added that Sarawak’s energy network extends beyond its borders, having exported electricity to West Kalimantan since 2016.

“The link to Sabah will soon supply up to 150MW as part of the Borneo Grid, while the Sarawak-Singapore interconnection is expected to begin commercial operation by 2032. This forms the foundation of the Asean Power Grid,” he said.