Malaysia's Sarawak targets green energy powerhouse status

InvestSarawak CEO sees renewables as 'cornerstone' of sustainability for state

20240322 Kuching

Kuching, the capital of Sarawak. The Malaysian state is embracing the transition to renewable energy. (Photo by Norman Goh)

NORMAN GOH, Nikkei staff writer

KUCHING, Malaysia -- In an ambitious pivot away from its entrenched oil and gas legacy, Malaysia's Sarawak is working to carve out a new identity as Southeast Asia's emerging green energy powerhouse, the head of the state's investment agency told Nikkei Asia.

The state, located on the island of Borneo that Malaysia shares with Indonesia and Brunei, possesses immense energy resources. Its operational hydroelectric dams include Bakun and Murum, while the under-construction Baleh Dam is slated to add 1,285 megawatts to the grid by 2026. Sarawak Energy, the state's power company, estimated that Sarawak has a potential 20,000 MW of hydropower over about 50 sites, of which 3,452 MW has been harnessed.

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