Sarawak targets 15,000MW power capacity by 2035, with 60pc from renewables

KUCHING, Oct 19 — The Sarawak government aims to reach a power generation capacity of 15,000 megawatts by 2035, with at least 60 percent of that power derived from renewable sources. Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, the Sarawak Minister of Utility and Telecommunication, revealed that three major projects are currently underway to achieve this target.

These projects include the Baleh hydroelectric project, a 1,285 MW capacity plant that is expected to commence operation in the fourth quarter of 2029. The Samalaju Combined Cycle Power Plant, with a capacity of 1,500 MW, is slated for phased operation, with Blocks 1 and 2 totaling 1,000 MW expected to come online in the second quarter of 2027 and Block 3, with a capacity of 500 MW, in the first quarter of 2027.

The Miri Combined Cycle Gas Turbine project, with a capacity of 500 MW, has already reached 63 percent completion and is projected to start operation in the fourth quarter of 2027. Julaihi made these statements while concluding the debate for his ministry at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly today. Furthermore, Sarawak continues to bolster its position as the Battery of Asean, bolstered by the development of the Borneo Power Grid and the Asean Power Grid.

Presently, the state exports an average of 100 MW to West Kalimantan and 30 MW to Sabah, with plans for additional exports of at least 30 MW to Brunei, no more than 1,000 MW to Singapore, and at least 1,000 MW to Peninsular Malaysia. The interconnection project with Brunei is currently in the negotiation and feasibility study phase, while the connection to Singapore is in the submarine cable survey stage, and Peninsular Malaysia is in the early stages of discussions.