KUCHING: Sarawak has the potential to shift from the use of coal to biomass as a renewable energy source, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
He said with vast forest estates and a thriving oil palm industry, the region sees biomass as a practical solution for renewable energy.
“A key component of Sarawak’s strategy is the gradual phasing out of coal power plants in favour of biomass,” he said during the Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development, and Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment’s Aidilfitri gathering at BCCK here on Saturday.
“This transition underscores the state’s commitment to sustainability while unlocking immense potential for both domestic consumption and export markets.
“Therefore, I hope those who are involved, especially those involved in the timber industry take advantage of this opportunity.”
He said what is being focused on now is to develop the timber sector towards high value-added products such as furniture and engineered woods with one being to support the development of biomass energy.
Earlier, Awang Tengah said during the recent visit by a state delegation to Leeds in United Kingdom led by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, they witnessed the generation of power that was once from a coal power plant which was converted to biomass, using wood pallets.
“The capacity is also significant, at 3,600 megawatts. This demonstrates that one of the sources of green energy through biomass is quite practical, and we in Sarawak have such great potential,” he said.
Elaborating, Awang Tengah said he has the confidence that Sarawak will be able to produce 10,000 megawatts of electricity by 2030.
“We have plans already, and the Premier has already stated that by the year 2030, we should be able to produce at least 10,000 megawatts.
“Much of it will come from hydro, including cascading methods and this also depends on how quickly they can switch from coal plants to biomass.
“Currently, it’s around 5,625, almost 5,700 megawatts. So, if we want to add to that by the year 2030, I think we will be able to meet the target.
“We are further developing and involving the private sector to explore biomass even more, like our coal pipe plants that we can convert to generators based on biomass. This is green energy,” he added.
Earlier, Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Sanusi as well as Abang Johari and his wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang attended the open house.
