Latest news with #43rdAseanSeniorOfficialsMeetingonEnergy
Borneo Post
11 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Premier: PM has requested for Sarawak to explore energy grid link to Southern Philippines via Sabah
Abang Johari (second right) and Fadillah (left) seen arriving at the event. KUCHING (June 16): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has requested the Sarawak government to explore the possibility of extending its renewable energy grid to southern Philippines via Sabah, revealed Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. He said the matter is currently under discussion and will be subject to the final decision of the Federal government. 'That (matter) is under discussion. I leave it to the Federal government. If they say okay, then we will do our part in order to extend to the Asean grid. That is the future we have in Sarawak,' he added during a welcoming dinner for the 43rd Asean Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME) held at a local hotel here tonight. Highlighting Sarawak's growing role in regional energy cooperation, Abang Johari noted that the state already supplies electricity to West Kalimantan, Indonesia, and is set to provide up to 100 megawatts to Sabah beginning early next year once the interconnection is completed. He said Sarawak Energy has also taken a 25 per cent equity stake in the Mentarang Induk hydropower project in North Kalimantan, Indonesia, further cementing Sarawak's commitment to cross-border energy integration in Borneo. 'With the technology available and advanced technology that can produce the cleanest energy, we are able to contribute in a small way from Sarawak to the Asean power grid,' he said. On Sarawak's energy development roadmap, the Premier said the state currently has an installed capacity of 7 gigawatts, of which 65 per cent is derived from hydropower. Plans are in place to raise this to 10 gigawatts by 2030. Key projects contributing to this goal include new gas turbine plants in Bintulu (1,000MW) and Miri (500MW), as well as the upcoming Baleh Hydroelectric Project in Kapit, which will add another 1.2 gigawatts to the state grid. 'We are a small country with a population of over 2.8 million, and if we have a surplus of power, we share with our brothers and sisters in Asean,' he said. Abang Johari also reiterated Sarawak's commitment to hydrogen as a future energy source. He highlighted ongoing collaborations with Japan, South Korea, Petronas subsidiary Gentari, and Siemens to produce hydrogen through electrolysis. 'God permits, by next year we will have a public transport ART (Autonomous Rapid Transit) fuelled by hydrogen. We will be the first in this region,' he said. He further shared Sarawak's initiatives under its Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) policy, development of the Sarawak Gas Roadmap through state-owned Petros, and plans to expand methanol and ammonia production to serve energy and industrial sectors, including international shipping. 'Our methanol plant is already producing 5,000 tonnes per day, and we are exporting to China. Perhaps one day this methanol can be converted into ammonia as another form of energy,' he said. Welcoming the Asean SOME delegates, Abang Johari expressed hope that their visit would also offer an opportunity to experience Sarawak's vibrant culture and development achievements. He concluded by expressing confidence that the Asean region, working together in the spirit of mutual understanding and technological collaboration, can secure a brighter and more sustainable energy future. 'I wish you all the best in your deliberations, and may the future of ASEAN be bright,' he said. Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, PETRA Secretary General Dato' Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli and other officials. Abang Johari Tun Openg anwar ibrahim Asean energy grid renewable energy
The Star
11 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
S'wak ready to contribute energy resources to Asean Power Grid, says Abang Johari
KUCHING: Sarawak is ready to contribute its energy resources to the Asean Power Grid, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg. The Sarawak Premier said the state planned to increase its installed power capacity from seven gigawatts (GW) now to 10GW by 2030, maintaining a ratio of 60-70% from renewable energy based on hydropower and the rest from gas turbines. He said Sarawak was building 1.5GW gas turbines in Bintulu and Miri, while the upcoming Baleh hydroelectric plant will produce 1.2GW. "In the next four years we will be able to add another 3GW to the present installed capacity of 7GW. "And if we have surplus power, we share it with our brothers and sisters in Asean," he said at the welcoming dinner of the 43rd Asean Senior Officials Meeting on Energy here on Monday (June 16) night. Abang Johari said Sarawak was already supplying power to West Kalimantan and will supply 100MW to Sabah starting next year. He said a proposal to extend the power supply from Sabah to southern Philippines was under discussion. "I leave that to the Federal Government. If they say okay, then we will do our part to extend it. "I am sure that with the technology available, we are able to contribute in a small way to the Asean Power Grid," he said.
Borneo Post
11 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Fadillah: Asean Power Grid requires stronger political will, smarter investment
(From seventh left) Fadillah, Abang Johari, PETRA Secretary General Dato' Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli join other delegates for a photocall at the welcoming dinner for the 43rd Asean SOME here today. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (June 16): The full realisation of the Asean Power Grid (APG) depends on stronger political will, deeper technical cooperation, and smarter investment strategies, said Deputy Prime Minister Dato' Sri Fadillah Yusof. Describing the APG as the 'backbone of a truly integrated Asean energy market,' Fadillah stressed that the region must embrace both infrastructure and governance frameworks to unlock its full potential. 'The Asean Power Grid is not just an infrastructure project, it is a vision. 'A vision of a region where electricity flows seamlessly across borders, where energy security is shared, and where the prosperity of one nation uplifts all,' he said during a welcoming dinner for the 43rd Asean Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME) here today. Fadillah, who is also Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), said the APG must be underpinned by harmonised regulations, transparent markets, and digital innovation to enable real-time regional power trading. 'In essence, the Asean Power Grid is about turning our diversity into strength. 'It is about leveraging our shared geography and complementary resources to build a future that is greener, more inclusive, and more secure,' said Fadillah. He also expressed confidence in the upcoming signing of the enhanced APG Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the formal endorsement of the Terms of Reference for the Subsea Power Cable Development Framework. He said the milestone, expected during the Asean Ministers on Energy Meeting in Kuala Lumpur this October, will undoubtedly propel our regional energy integration forward. 'I am confident that the APG Enhanced Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), couple with the forthcoming Asean Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation 2026 – 2030 document, will profoundly deepen our region's power connectivity. 'This profound development will drive and act as a powerful catalyst for economic growth across all Asean Member States,' said Fadillah. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had on May 25 outlined Sarawak's ongoing efforts to support the Asean Power Grid, noting that the state has been exporting electricity to West Kalimantan for the past six years and is in the process of supplying power to Brunei. He also said Sarawak is studying the possibility of supplying electricity to Sabah and connecting to Brunei as part of regional integration efforts. Looking ahead, Fadillah said engagement with international partners over the next two days will be crucial to fast-tracking Asean's clean energy transition. 'The expertise, technological advancement, and investment support from Dialogue Partners and International Organisations are vital as we navigate the complexities of decarbonisation, explore innovative energy technologies and build a more robust energy infrastructure,' he said. Fadillah also reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to increasing renewable energy capacity, improving efficiency and pursuing low-carbon solutions. 'We believe that by working hand-in-hand, sharing knowledge, and leveraging each other's strengths, we can unlock the immense potential within our energy sectors and drive meaningful change,' said Fadillah. The 43rd Asean SOME opened in Kuching today to align regional energy policies and advance key initiatives, including the Asean Power Grid Enhanced MoU and Asean Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2026–2030. Hosted by Malaysia, the three-day event gathers nearly 250 delegates from Asean Member States, Dialogue Partners, and international bodies to prepare for major decisions ahead of the Asean Ministers on Energy Meeting in October.
The Star
12 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
APG will boost regional power connectivity, energy security, says Fadillah
KUCHING: The Asean Power Grid (APG) initiative will improve power connectivity and energy security across the region, says Datuk Fadillah Yusof. The Deputy Prime Minister said an enhanced memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the APG was set to be signed at the Asean Ministers on Energy Meeting in Kuala Lumpur in October, along with the formal endorsement of the terms of reference of the subsea power cable development framework. "This critical advancement will undoubtedly propel our regional energy integration forward," he said at the welcoming dinner of the 43rd Asean Senior Officials Meeting on Energy here on Monday (June 16) night. Fadillah, who is also Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, said the APG was the cornerstone for cultivating a more resilient and sustainable energy future across Asean. He described it as an infrastructure project with a vision of electricity flowing seamlessly across borders and shared energy security and prosperity. "By interconnecting our national grids, we are creating the backbone of a truly integrated Asean energy market," he said. Fadillah called for stronger political will, deeper technical cooperation and smarter investment strategies to fully realise the APG. He said harmonised regulations, open and transparent markets and digital innovation were needed to make real-time regional power trading a reality. "We need to embrace not just the hardware cables, substations and control systems, but also the software: governance frameworks, data sharing and mutual trust. "In essence, the Asean Power Grid is about turning our diversity into strength. It is about leveraging our shared geography and complementary resources to build a future that is greener, more inclusive and more secure," he said. He added that the APG enhanced MOU, coupled with the forthcoming Asean Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation 2026-2030 document, will be a powerful catalyst for economic growth across all Asean member states.
Borneo Post
20 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
All 10 Asean states represented at Senior Officials Meeting on Energy in Kuching, Timor Leste an observer
(From eighth left) Mad Zaidi and undersecretary for Planning, Investment, Media Affairs and Spokesperson Department of Energy, Philippines Felix William B Fuentebella join other delegates for a photocall. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (June 16): The 43rd Asean Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME) and its Associated Meetings began today, aiming to align regional energy policies and review progress under the Asean Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC). Hosted by Malaysia through the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (Petra), the three-day event also serves to prepare key decisions ahead of the Asean Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) scheduled for October. All 10 Asean member states – Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam are taking part, along with Timor-Leste as an observer. Nearly 250 delegates are expected to attend, including senior energy officials; representatives from the Asean Secretariat; Asean Centre for Energy (ACE); dialogue partners such as China, Japan, Korea, Russia, and the United States; as well as international bodies like the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena), International Energy Agency (IEA), Economic Research Institute for Asean and East Asia (Eria), Asian Development Bank (ADB), and World Bank. In his opening remarks, Petra secretary-general Datuk Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli said the theme Powering Asean: Bridging Boundaries, Building Prosperity reflects Malaysia's focus on inclusivity and sustainability in driving the region's energy development. 'This theme is important to emphasise the need for energy and dynamism in driving the region's development to propel Asean forward. 'It also underscores the ultimate goal of Asean integration, which is to improve the lives of its citizens by promoting economic growth, creating jobs, and focuses on inclusivity and sustainability that will benefit all segments of society,' he said. He also led delegates in observing a moment of silence in memory of the late director Dr Irma Caliwagan Exconde of the Philippines, who was recognised for her contributions to Asean's energy cooperation, particularly in the renewal of the Asean Power Grid memorandum of understanding (APG MoU). The meetings will focus on advancing the APG Enhanced MoU, finalising the draft APAEC policy document, and securing endorsement of the Asean Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA). Other key issues include energy transition financing, grid integration, and progress on APAEC targets. Malaysia chairs the session, with the Philippines serving as vice-chair. 43rd Asean Senior Officials Meeting on Energy lead Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli
