KUCHING: Sarawak’s involvement in the development of Indonesia’s largest hydropower project strengthens its regional standing as it works towards becoming a leading player in the renewable energy sector in Asean.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg stated this a day before the ground-breaking ceremony of the Mentarang Induk Hydropower Project (MIHEP) in North Kalimantan on March 1.
“This highlights that Sarawak has the expertise and experience to partner countries in the region on the development of renewable energy,” he said at a dinner with communities in Malinau hosted by the Provincial Government on Feb 28.
“Our participation in the project through Sarawak Energy provides the opportunity to share our knowledge and expertise in renewable energy generation with neighbouring countries to promote environmental and economic sustainability for the region,” he said.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan, Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Dr Hazland Abang Hipni and Sarawak Energy Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Sharbini Suhaili were part of the Sarawak delegation.
Sarawak Energy’s management team – Executive Vice President for Project Delivery Pramod Kumar Karunakaran, Senior Vice President for Business Development Nick Wright and Chief Financial Officer Tan Kok Kiong were also present.
Sharbini said the group was honoured to be given the opportunity to work with partners in Indonesia in the construction of the MIHEP project to meet the demand for green energy in North Kalimantan.
“We believe that our 40 years of experience and learning from our hydropower development in Sarawak will contribute greatly towards making this project a success.
“In addition, Sarawak Energy has been a Sustainability Partner and Board Member of the International Hydropower Association (IHA) since 2010 and we are committed to embed sustainable practices in the development and operation of our projects, including MIHEP, ensuring technical, economic, environmental, social and governance impacts, risks and opportunities are well managed,” he added.
On March 1, Indonesian President Joko Widodo said Malaysia’s participation in the Mentarang Induk hydropower project was a symbol of the close cooperation between the two countries.
He also thanked the local indigenous people consisting mainly of the Punan and Lun Dayeh communities for their support of the project, which he said would upgrade livelihoods and contribute to the people’s well-being.
The 1,375 MW MIHEP is being developed by PT Kayan Hydropower Nusantara (KHN), a joint venture between Sarawak Energy and Indonesian companies PT Adaro Energy Indonesia and PT Kayan Patria Pratama (KPP) Group through their respective subsidiaries.
The project is Sarawak Energy’s first international hydropower project, following 40 years of experience in Sarawak in hydropower development.
The USD2.6 billion project is part of KHN’s efforts to provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable renewable energy to support Indonesia’s Green Industrial Park in North Kalimantan.
The construction phase of MIHEP will be carried out in the first quarter of 2024, targeting first power by the end of 2029.
When completed, Mentarang Induk will feature the second tallest Concrete Face Rockfill Dam (CFRD) dam in the world with a height of 235 meters and 815 meters in length.
