‘Hydropower best catalyst for state’s socio-economic growth’
SINGAPORE: Delegates at a high-level conference here were given insight into why sustainable hydropower remains the best option as the catalyst for socioeconomic growth in Sarawak.
Sarawak Energy group chief executive officer Datu Sharbini Suhaili shared with delegates of the 4th Power Week Asia, the corporation’s experience in transforming from a traditional utility to a key hydropower developer with a forward vision to not only power Sarawak, but also beyond.
“It has been quite a transformation for Sarawak Energy. Hydropower is expected to remain the world’s largest source of renewable electricity generation.
“In Sarawak, we made an early start in hydropower 30 years ago with Batang Ai ( Hydroelectric Power Dam). This was accelerated in the last 10 years with Bakun and Murum HEPs and we have already begun to experience the positive impact in catalysing development, social outcomes and our environmental footprint,” he was quoted as saying in a media release by Sarawak Energy yesterday, when delivering his presentation titled ‘Hydropower Development: Catalyst for Sarawak’s Socio- Economic Growth’.
Sharbini said with international best practice guiding Sarawak Energy through its association with the International Hydropower Association, venturing into hydropower has brought tangible benefit, including the acceleration of rural infrastructure development at its dam sites.
“The increase in generation capacity from hydropower has enabled the establishment and expansion of the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable
In Sarawak, we made an early start in hydropower 30 years ago with Batang Ai (Hydroelectric Power Dam). This was accelerated in the last 10 years with Bakun and Murum HEPs and we have already begun to experience the positive impact in catalysing development, social outcomes and our environmental footprint.
Energy ( SCORE) which has attracted investment from energy intensive industries into Sarawak as a result of our globally competitive tariffs,” he added.
Describing the changing energy development scenario in Sarawak, Sharbini said hydropower has also enabled Sarawak Energy to achieve first export of power to neighbouring West Kalimantan, and open doors for collaboration with Sabah and Brunei for potential power export agreements.
This, he said, was in line with Sarawak’s aspiration to becoming a regional powerhouse by realising the Borneo Grid.
Sharbini was also in a panel session ‘Which renewable energy source is the most promising?’ which was moderated by Canadian Solar vice- president Steve Iyer.
The other panelists were Juwi Renewable Energies Singapore (Asia Pacific) regional director Valerie Speth and Sembcorp Industries Singapore senior vicepresident Sunil Gupta.
Power Week Asia is an international conference and summit for the electric power and energy sector which provides expert views, valuable takeaways and insights on the energy industry’s outlook, and serves as a networking platform.
Datu Sharbini Suhaili, Sarawak Energy group chief executive officer