S’wak to get 60% power supply from HEP dams by 2020

THE state will continue to pursue the development of indigenous hydro and coal resources to meet power demand of the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (Score) and growth of local customers.

Public Utilities Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan, in his winding up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here yesterday, said the state aimed for an optimal generation capacity mix of 60 per cent hydro, 20 per cent coal and the remaining from gas by 2020.

“With regards to electricity supply, the State’s committed demand in 2013 was 2,286 Megawatt (MW) and the grid generation capacity was 2,437 MW. The demand is projected to increase to 5,000 MW by 2020 and the generation capacity is expected to increase to 5,200 MW by 2020,” he added.

He disclosed that Bakun Hydroelectric Project (HEP) had been completed, Murum HEP wass under commissioning while the 600 MW Balingian coal-fired power plant was under construction.

“The state has been successful in attracting industries that are energy and capital intensive, not only foreign but also local, by providing competitive pricing for bulk energy.

Hydro power is not subjected to fuel price fluctuation thus stabilising the electricity tariff for local consumers,” he continued.

Touching on the findings on Murum turbines by Norconsult as raised by Baru Bian (PKRBa’kelalan), he said there were imperfection of tiny pores, pits and hairlines on surface of the turbines which are hardly visible to the naked eye.

These imperfections are not structural defects and would not lead to any “catastrophic breakdown” as alleged.

Awang Tengah explained that rectification works at the site had been carried out. The red-dye penetration test, magnetic particle and ultrasonic inspections have confirmed that the works were successfully completed.