BY ALEXANDRA LORNA & SARAH HAFIZAH CHANDRA
KUCHING: Sarawak has the potential to be a leader in the fight against climate change, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said its lush rainforests, sunny skies and powerful rivers give Sarawak the resources needed to achieve the goal of net-zero emissions.
“But we cannot do this alone. It requires a collective effort from all of us, including our government, private sector and local communities.
“We are already making progress towards this goal. Our generation mix has successfully transitioned from 92 percent fossil fuels in 2010 to 70 percent hydropower complemented by thermal resources for energy security.
“Over the past decade, our state has undergone a significant shift towards decarbonisation, resulting in a 72 percent reduction in grid emission intensity between 2010 and 2020. This achievement has been made possible by our commitment to renewable energy sources and continues to drive our sustainable socio-economic growth today,” he said in a keynote address at the Asia Carbon Conference 2023 at Pullman Hotel here yesterday.
Abang Johari said the Sarawak government recognises that renewable hydropower would be one of the main drivers for achieving the climate goals.
“By transitioning from CO2-producing electricity generation to carbon-free generation, we can ensure that our state remains at the forefront of the global fight against climate change.
“Through innovation, investment and collaboration, we can harness the full potential of our natural resources to create a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future for all.
”We aim to maintain a renewable energy capacity mix of at least 60 percent, with a particular emphasis on renewable hydropower and an increase in alternative sources. By prioritising renewable energy, we can reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.
“Secondly, we aim to reduce our CO2 emissions by 600,000 tons per annum by electrifying our mobility fleet. The transportation sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and electrification is a key strategy for reducing emissions and improving air quality.
“Finally, we aim to achieve more than 15 percent income from foreign markets, including power exports. By exporting renewable energy to neighbouring countries, we can leverage our natural resources and position ourselves as a leader in the region’s energy transition,” he said.
