Sarawak to spearhead transition with clean energy targets, says Abg Johari

KUCHING (Jan 13): Sarawak aspires to achieve a clean energy capacity of 10 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 and 15GW by 2035, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said this is in line with fostering energy security, industrial growth, and a prosperous future for all Sarawakians.

“Sarawak is intensifying efforts to secure funding for transformative energy projects. This year, we will engage with international financial institutions and global partners, leveraging green funds and strategic partnerships to drive Sarawak’s transition to a cleaner, more resilient future.

“Sarawak is not just participating in the energy transition; we are shaping it,” he said at the Majlis Amanat Perdana Premier Sarawak 2025 held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching today.

Abang Johari said Sarawak remains committed to advancing development without compromising its environment.

According to him, Sarawak’s response to climate change is built on tangible actions that foster long-term resilience.

He pointed out that Sarawak achieved a significant milestone last month with the launch of the RM2 billion, 500MW hydrogen-ready Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) facility in Miri, which is due for completion by 2027.

He said this plant will enhance power supply in northern Sarawak and potentially serve neighbouring Sabah and Brunei, using mixture of methane and hydrogen to reduce emissions and boost energy efficiency.

He said he had witnessed the world’s first large-frame hydrogen-powered gas turbine during his recent visit to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ Takasago Hydrogen Park in Japan and this breakthrough technology will be integrated into Sarawak’s CCGT facility, reinforcing the state’s leadership in the low-carbon energy transition.

“The Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGR) accelerates this momentum by establishing an energy ecosystem that increases access to natural gas across Sarawak, supporting industrial growth, domestic use and economic prosperity.

“It charts a transformative future for the state’s energy landscape. As part of this vision, new gas terminals will enable efficient distribution, benefiting both households and industries, like the benefits already enjoyed by residents in Miri. This expansion supports Sarawak’s growing energy needs,” he added.

As such, he said Sarawak must have full control over its gas supply and distribution, stressing that this autonomy is key to implementing programmes that maximise natural gas benefits for Sarawakians.

Touching on the economy, Abang Johari said the private sector is the driving force behind Sarawak’s flourishing development.

“Entrepreneurs, businesses, SMEs (small and medium enterprises) and investors are catalysts of our economy, shaping Sarawak into a hub of progress and prosperity.”

For Sarawak to continue its growth, the premier said Sarawak needs the private sector to continue leading the charge as his administration is committed to fostering an environment where ideas, investments and innovations can thrive.

“Through our robust policies, supported by efficient logistics, energy and digital infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for you to expand, invest and succeed, while simultaneously cultivating a skilled and adaptive workforce to meet industrial demands.

“If the public and private sectors work hand-in-hand, I believe nothing is impossible. I see that the future is full of promise, and with private sector involvement, we will unlock Sarawak’s full potential,” said Abang Johari.

He added: “Together, we can foster an economy that is resilient, diverse, and capable of seizing the opportunities of the future.”