S'wak eyes 10,000 technologists by 2030 to propel green ambitions ― Deputy Minister
The Deputy Energy and Environmental Sustainability Minister said human capital development is a top priority in the state's Energy Transition Plan, Hydrogen Economy Roadmap and Sustainability Blueprint.
'We need to train a lot more technologists. By 2030, we are targeting at least 10,000 technologists and beyond that, up to 80,000.
'At present, Sarawak has over 8,000 trained technologists,' he told a press conference after officiating the Sustainable and Valuable Energy Conference (SAVE) 2025 on behalf of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg here yesterday.
Dr Hazland expressed confidence the target is achievable, noting that Sarawak produces between 3,500 and 4,000 SPM school-leavers annually.
'If we can focus half of these SPM school-leavers to take up Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses in our universities and higher education institutions, we are will be on track to produce many more technicians,' he said.
He added that the free tertiary education at five Sarawak-owned universities, slated to begin next year, would help meet the state's manpower needs.
On renewable energy initiatives, Dr Hazland said Sarawak is diversifying beyond its 70 per cent clean hydropower generation by developing floating solar farms at its major dams ― Batang Ai, Murum, Bakun and Saleh ― scheduled for completion by 2030.
'From these four dams, we have the potential to produce an additional capacity of 2 gigawatts solar energy,' he added.
He also revealed that Sarawak has identified 12 rivers with potential for cascading dams, with the first phase involving four rivers expected to generate another 2 gigawatts by 2030.
In addition, combined gas cycle plants ― utilising 70 per cent liquefied natural gas (LNG) and 30 per cent hydrogen ― are being developed in Bintulu and Miri, capable of producing 1.5 gigawatts.
'Together, these projects are expected to raise total generation capacity from the current 5.7 gigawatts to around 10 to 11 gigawatts by 2030, and 15 gigawatts by 2050.'
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