How thermal energy can unlock Sabah's economic potential
Published on: Sunday, May 25, 2025
Published on: Sun, May 25, 2025 Text Size: The nutrient-rich deep ocean/sea water (DOW) used in OTEC processes can be channelled into aquaculture. (Pic: Bayu Aquaculture) The recent enactment of the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) law by the Sabah Legislative Assembly marks a pivotal step towards sustainable development. Beyond generating renewable energy, OTEC technology offers a multitude of benefits that can significantly enhance Sabah's economy and the well-being of its people. Desalinated Water Production Otec systems inherently produce fresh water as a byproduct, addressing water scarcity issues prevalent in many regions. This desalinated water can support agriculture, provide potable water to communities, and reduce reliance on traditional, energy-intensive desalination methods. Aquaculture Enhancement The nutrient-rich deep ocean/sea water (DOW) used in OTEC processes can be channelled into aquaculture, fostering the cultivation of high-value marine species.
Advertisement This not only boosts local food production but also creates employment opportunities in fisheries and related industries. Agricultural Productivity Soil cooling systems can utilize DOW's cool temperatures to cultivate temperate crops in tropical climates. This diversification can lead to increased agricultural yields and the introduction of new crops to the market, benefiting local farmers and consumers alike. Tourism Development Integrating OTEC facilities with tourism can create unique attractions, such as spas and wellness centres that use the mineral-rich DOW. This can attract tourists seeking novel experiences, thereby boosting the local tourism industry and generating additional revenue. Air Conditioning Efficiency District cooling systems can use the cold seawater from Otec systems as an energy-efficient alternative to air conditioning in urban areas. This reduces electricity consumption and operational costs, contributing to more sustainable urban development. Green hydrogen production. Otec technology facilitates the production of green hydrogen, a clean fuel with applications in various industries, including transportation and manufacturing. Developing a green hydrogen economy can position Sabah as a leader in renewable energy innovation. Environmental Conservation By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, Otec contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions, aiding in the fight against climate change. Additionally, the sustainable use of ocean resources promotes marine conservation efforts. Educational and research opportunities. The implementation of Otec projects can serve as a platform for scientific research and education, fostering innovation and knowledge transfer. Collaborations with academic institutions can lead to advancements in marine sciences and renewable energy technologies. Community Empowerment Participating local communities in Otec projects guarantees the equitable distribution of benefits. Capacity-building initiatives can equip residents with the skills needed to participate in and sustain these projects, promoting inclusive development. Economic Diversification The multifaceted applications of Otec technology can stimulate various sectors, from agriculture to tourism, leading to a more resilient and diversified economy. This reduces dependence on traditional industries and opens new avenues for growth. Human resource development and technology transfer. The adoption of OTEC technology necessitates special skills and knowledge, prompting the development of targeted educational and training programs. The emphasis on human resource development equips the local workforce to manage and operate OTEC facilities, promoting a culture of innovation and technical proficiency. Collaborations with international experts facilitate the transfer of technology, enabling Sabah to build local expertise and reduce dependence on external resources. Upstream and downstream business opportunities. Otec technology stimulates a spectrum of business opportunities. Upstream activities include research and development, engineering, and manufacturing of OTEC components, which can invigorate local industries and create high-skilled jobs. Downstream, the benefits extend to sectors such as agriculture, aquaculture, tourism, and water supply, all of which can leverage the outputs of Otec systems to enhance their operations and services. This integrated approach fosters a robust economic ecosystem, driving sustainable development across the state. Otec law represents a transformative opportunity for Sabah. By harnessing the ocean's thermal energy, the state can unlock a spectrum of benefits that drive economic growth, environmental sustainability and social well-being. Strategic planning and community involvement will be crucial in realising the full potential of OTEC technology, paving the way for a prosperous and sustainable future for Sabah. Mohd Haris Abdul Rani (UiTM)
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Daily Express
25-05-2025
- Daily Express
How thermal energy can unlock Sabah's economic potential
Published on: Sunday, May 25, 2025 Published on: Sun, May 25, 2025 Text Size: The nutrient-rich deep ocean/sea water (DOW) used in OTEC processes can be channelled into aquaculture. (Pic: Bayu Aquaculture) The recent enactment of the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) law by the Sabah Legislative Assembly marks a pivotal step towards sustainable development. Beyond generating renewable energy, OTEC technology offers a multitude of benefits that can significantly enhance Sabah's economy and the well-being of its people. Desalinated Water Production Otec systems inherently produce fresh water as a byproduct, addressing water scarcity issues prevalent in many regions. This desalinated water can support agriculture, provide potable water to communities, and reduce reliance on traditional, energy-intensive desalination methods. Aquaculture Enhancement The nutrient-rich deep ocean/sea water (DOW) used in OTEC processes can be channelled into aquaculture, fostering the cultivation of high-value marine species. Advertisement This not only boosts local food production but also creates employment opportunities in fisheries and related industries. Agricultural Productivity Soil cooling systems can utilize DOW's cool temperatures to cultivate temperate crops in tropical climates. This diversification can lead to increased agricultural yields and the introduction of new crops to the market, benefiting local farmers and consumers alike. Tourism Development Integrating OTEC facilities with tourism can create unique attractions, such as spas and wellness centres that use the mineral-rich DOW. This can attract tourists seeking novel experiences, thereby boosting the local tourism industry and generating additional revenue. Air Conditioning Efficiency District cooling systems can use the cold seawater from Otec systems as an energy-efficient alternative to air conditioning in urban areas. This reduces electricity consumption and operational costs, contributing to more sustainable urban development. Green hydrogen production. Otec technology facilitates the production of green hydrogen, a clean fuel with applications in various industries, including transportation and manufacturing. Developing a green hydrogen economy can position Sabah as a leader in renewable energy innovation. Environmental Conservation By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, Otec contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions, aiding in the fight against climate change. Additionally, the sustainable use of ocean resources promotes marine conservation efforts. Educational and research opportunities. The implementation of Otec projects can serve as a platform for scientific research and education, fostering innovation and knowledge transfer. Collaborations with academic institutions can lead to advancements in marine sciences and renewable energy technologies. Community Empowerment Participating local communities in Otec projects guarantees the equitable distribution of benefits. Capacity-building initiatives can equip residents with the skills needed to participate in and sustain these projects, promoting inclusive development. Economic Diversification The multifaceted applications of Otec technology can stimulate various sectors, from agriculture to tourism, leading to a more resilient and diversified economy. This reduces dependence on traditional industries and opens new avenues for growth. Human resource development and technology transfer. The adoption of OTEC technology necessitates special skills and knowledge, prompting the development of targeted educational and training programs. The emphasis on human resource development equips the local workforce to manage and operate OTEC facilities, promoting a culture of innovation and technical proficiency. Collaborations with international experts facilitate the transfer of technology, enabling Sabah to build local expertise and reduce dependence on external resources. Upstream and downstream business opportunities. Otec technology stimulates a spectrum of business opportunities. Upstream activities include research and development, engineering, and manufacturing of OTEC components, which can invigorate local industries and create high-skilled jobs. Downstream, the benefits extend to sectors such as agriculture, aquaculture, tourism, and water supply, all of which can leverage the outputs of Otec systems to enhance their operations and services. This integrated approach fosters a robust economic ecosystem, driving sustainable development across the state. Otec law represents a transformative opportunity for Sabah. By harnessing the ocean's thermal energy, the state can unlock a spectrum of benefits that drive economic growth, environmental sustainability and social well-being. Strategic planning and community involvement will be crucial in realising the full potential of OTEC technology, paving the way for a prosperous and sustainable future for Sabah. Mohd Haris Abdul Rani (UiTM)
Daily Express
25-05-2025
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Sabah ventures into tapping thermal energy from the sea
Published on: Sunday, May 25, 2025 Published on: Sun, May 25, 2025 By: David Thien Text Size: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said these studies will be completed within a year. (AFP pic) THE passing of the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) Enactment 2024 in the State Assembly on April 25, last year, makes Sabah the first in Asean to come up with a blueprint on OTEC development. Following Sabah's lead, the Sarawak State Government also announced interest in expanding its renewable energy sources portfolio by tapping ocean thermal energy. OTEC is an innovative technology that converts the sea's thermal energy into electricity. This new cheaper, greener energy from an innovative technology involves harnessing the temperature difference between warm surface seawater and cold deep seawater to generate clean energy. Based on research, Sabah has the potential of generating up to 20,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity, comprising 15,000MW in the west coast waters and 5,000MW in the east coast. But its full implementation is expected to take about five years. 'Sabah is surrounded by vast oceans, making it the ideal location for this technology as research findings have indicated that certain areas in the state have the potential to generate up to 20,000MW of electricity which could be used to produce green hydrogen, a highly sought-after energy source to achieve net zero carbon emissions goals,' said ECoS CEO Datuk Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid. Advertisement 'If we can successfully develop one per cent of 20,000MW, it is already 200MW which is already big. The potential of OTEC is really huge,' he said. The two areas identified as suitable for OTEC development are the South China Sea on the west coast and Tawau-Semporna deep sea on the east coast. Tapping the energy 15km from the shore is seen as the most viable 'low-hanging fruit' compared to doing so 100km offshore. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said this would pave the way for the development of OTEC as a new source of renewable energy and as one of the main initiatives under the State's Blue Economy which was commended by the Prime Minister for its game-changer direction. The development of OTEC technology aligns with the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040 (SE-RAMP 2040) launched in September 2023 to increase the renewable energy mix and identify new energy sources and technologies for the long term. If implemented successfully, OTEC would make a major impact as a sustainable green energy solution desired by all countries. It will help Sabah and Malaysia to achieve some Sustainable Development Goals in its decarbonisation target and increase its renewable energy mix in its energy transition journey towards net zero target. The journey towards achieving net zero carbon emissions has created more innovation, collaboration and inclusivity opportunities. Three Malaysian companies have been authorised to conduct year-long feasibility studies off Tawau-Semporna deep sea waters and submit their plans to the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) for approval and implementation. A preliminary feasibility study is also being conducted by the UTM Ocean Thermal Energy Centre, through collaboration between Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) for the development of a potential OTEC plant project in Sabah. 'The Prime Minister acknowledged the importance of Sabah's Blue Economy. A seminar was held as a follow-up to maintain the momentum,' Hajiji said. The seminar being referred to was the 'Sabah International Blue Economy Conference 2024 (SIBEC)' organised by Invest Sabah, ECoS and SMJ Energy last year. 'We want to create awareness on OTEC and its technology which is not new. It will increase our renewable energy mix and position Sabah as such a game changer centre of excellence and a beacon of sustainable resilience as a prime investment destination,' said CEO of Invest Sabah Berhad, Dr Firdausi Suffian. He said this industry would help create jobs and attract direct foreign investments to Sabah with the development of downstream secondary products such as marine culture products and drinking water to further generate economic development to be a powerhouse in Malaysia, strong into innovative, regenerative blue economy drive. Innovative new renewable energy source It is time for Sabahans to think outside the box and be open towards adopting new ways, knowledge and technology to accelerate progress and development. Chief Coordinating Officer of Sabah Maju Jaya Secretariat Datuk (Datu) Rosmadi Datu Sulai, said this to emphasize the state's vision for a regenerative blue economy in his speech at the 'Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) Seminar' at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort on Wednesday. He underscored the need to transition from traditional industries to innovative, sustainable sectors, which will not only spur economic development but also generate substantial job opportunities for the people of Sabah as Sabah is making significant strides in renewable energy, with a strong focus on Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC). Dr. Firdausi Suffian, Chief Executive Officer of Invest Sabah Berhad, announced that Sabah is leading the way in renewable energy, particularly through its championing of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), establishing itself as a key player in sustainable energy solutions. 'With a focus on creating a favourable business environment, Sabah presents unique opportunities for both local and international investors eager to engage with its rich natural resources and strong infrastructure,' he said. ECoS CEO Datuk Ir. Abdul Nasser bin Abdul Wahid elaborated on the Commission's regulatory role in overseeing OTEC projects. He emphasised the importance of aligning these initiatives with the state's economic interests while ensuring environmental sustainability. 'Identifying potential sites for OTEC development on both the West and East Coasts of Sabah is underway, paving the way for a sustainable energy future,' he said. At the event, industry leaders from Deep Sea Energy Australia, Global OTEC UK, Ocean Thermal Energy Services (OTES), Satu Teguh International Berhad, and Sinar Development & Consultancy Sdn Bhd met to explore OTEC's potential in Sabah. Their discussions covered its technological, economic, and environmental benefits, providing key insights for the region. With strong collaboration between government, industry, and international partners, Sabah is positioning itself as a regional leader in renewable energy. By embracing OTEC, the state aims to foster sustainable growth and gain prominence in the global renewable energy sector. Move can benefit coastal cities, islands FOUNDER and CEO of Global Otec, Dan Grech, said his company's mission is to commercialise Otec so that tropical islands and coastal cities can access cheap, clean and secure energy by replacing fossil fuels. He said Sabah's vast Otec resources can not only power Sabah's clean and green energy demands but also create export opportunities. 'A successful pilot project will unlock direct foreign investment into subsequent projects, attracting billions of dollars of investment to generate clean electricity at scale. 'Public awareness and policy support is crucial as Otec remains relatively unknown, with limited understanding among governments and the public.' He stressed that raising awareness and implementing supportive policies are crucial for accelerating adoption as prototypes and small-scale plants face high capital expenditures (Capex) and cost of energy (LCOS), making private investment challenging without government support and financial incentives. Otec is a century old technology. In the 1880s, at the time when the British North Borneo Chartered Company was set up, French physicist Jacques Arsene d'Arsonval developed the first practical Otec system. By 1930, his student George Claude built the first Otec plant in Cuba. 'During the 1970s and 1980s, the United States and Japan led experimentations with OTEC. Over the years, there have been other small-scale and non-commercial implementations. 'While small scale OTEC projects have proven reliability, such as those in Hawaii and Japan, scaling up to commercial plants – for example, 10 MW, is the technical limit using today's technology,' said Dan. He cited South Korea is testing its 1 MW-sized Otec plant on a barge known as 'K — OTEC1000' since September 2019. 'Otec harnesses the thermal gradient of tropical oceans, providing a continuous, renewable energy source. 'With an estimated global potential of 8,000 GW, Otec could significantly contribute to decarbonisation efforts, promote biodiversity conservation with sustainable resource use and contribute to global climate resilience.' He also said the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion set up off Tawau-Semporna must avoid being sited in contested zones claimed by Indonesia. Malaysia is set to launch its first hybrid Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (H-OTEC) plant, the first in South East Asia soon.
Daily Express
12-05-2025
- Daily Express
Sabah polls not discussed with TYT
Published on: Monday, May 12, 2025 Published on: Mon, May 12, 2025 Text Size: This was Anwar's first courtesy call on Musa since his appointment as the new Sabah Governor in January. Kota Kinabalu: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today paid a courtesy call on Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman at Istana Seri Kinabalu, Sunday. Anwar arrived at the palace at around 11am, shortly after the special aircraft carrying him landed at Terminal Two of Kota Kinabalu International Airport at 10.35am to begin a one-day working visit to the state. He signed the guest book before holding a four-eyed meeting with Musa in the Special Visitors' Hall. This was Anwar's first courtesy call on Musa since his appointment as the new Sabah Governor in January. Anwar said he did not discuss the possible dissolution of the Sabah Legislative Assembly during his meeting. He said the decision rests solely with the Governor and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. 'The meeting focused primarily on Sabah's development and strengthening cooperation between the state and federal governments,' he said. Anwar said the discussions covered various sectors, including oil, and took into account input from state leaders with the aim of addressing key concerns and identifying areas for improvement. The half-hour meeting concluded with a luncheon in the palace's dining hall. After the meeting at Istana Seri Kinabalu, Anwar proceeded to Tawau to officiate the Closing Ceremony of the Sabah Madani Rakyat Programme (PMR) 2025 at Dataran Majlis Perbandaran Tawau. Sabah Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim Yahya had been reported as saying that the five-year term of the current state assembly will expire on November 11. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
