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Daily Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Esteel's RM31 billion project a vote of confidence in Sabah's future, says Hajiji
Published on: Saturday, May 31, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 31, 2025 By: FMT Reporters Text Size: Hajiji said Sabah is committed to creating a stable and investor-friendly environment to drive economic growth. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor has hailed the RM31 billion three-phase project by Esteel Enterprise Sabah Sdn Bhd as a major milestone for the state's economic development. He said it would generate jobs, foster innovation and support local businesses. Speaking at the launch of the project's Phase 1 at the Sabah International Convention Centre yesterday, Hajiji thanked Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Singapore-based Green Esteel Group for backing Sabah's industrial ambitions. 'This project is not merely a financial commitment. It is a vote of your confidence in our vision and in our capacity to foster growth and development,' he said in his speech. Hajiji added that the steel manufacturing plant, located in the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (Sogip), is expected to create a wide range of 'ripple effects' in sectors such as green technology and local entrepreneurship. He said job creation must benefit Sabahans first and urged industry players to prioritise the training and upskilling of the local workforce. Advertisement 'I want all industry players to invest in the training and development of our local workforce and to comply with this fundamental requirement as a core principle of our commitment to local development,' he said. Hajiji also credited more than a dozen federal and state agencies for their role in fast-tracking approvals for the Esteel project and assured the group that their 'trust is well-placed'. 'Together, we have the potential to achieve remarkable outcomes, leading the way for growth and development,' he said. Hajiji reaffirmed that Sabah will maintain its investor-friendly stance, noting that the state has implemented policies to attract more investors. 'We are committed to creating a conducive environment that nurtures investments and fosters collaboration,' he said, adding that besides Sogip, the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park has also seen increased tenancy over the past four years. Due to high investor demand, Hajiji said the state government had approved three new industrial parks in Kota Belud, Beaufort and Kudat under its Blue Economy initiative. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * 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
Daily Express
25-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
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.
Egypt Today
24-05-2025
- Business
- Egypt Today
Egypt, France discuss cooperation on UN ocean conference, plastic pollution in Mediterranean
Fouad conveyed the Egyptian government's appreciation for France's leadership in prioritizing ocean conservation and biodiversity within the multilateral environmental agenda. She underscored the need to align discussions on the blue economy, marine biodiversity, protected areas, and the global plastics treaty into a cohesive and action-oriented framework during the conference. She highlighted Egypt's strong interest in the conference, particularly as the country prepares to host the Barcelona Convention at the end of the year. Egypt aims to spotlight critical themes such as 'Blue Economy and Mediterranean Sustainability', leveraging the platform to foster regional and international collaboration, according to her. Minister Fouad reiterated Egypt's support for a fair, balanced and transparent global agreement to address plastic pollution, one that reflects common but differentiated responsibilities and considers the unique challenges faced by developing nations. She emphasized the necessity for robust financial mechanisms and access to technology to enable countries to meet ambitious environmental targets. She noted that Egypt has taken concrete steps on the national level, including a recent cabinet decision to implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and to introduce fees on single-use plastic bags. Additionally, Egypt has enforced a comprehensive waste management law since 2020, which adopts the principles of a circular economy. Further initiatives include expanding plastic recycling efforts, eliminating unnecessary plastic consumption, and empowering local communities through projects like the Nile Cleanup Initiative. This program involves fishermen and women in collecting plastic waste from the Nile River, recycling it into useful products, and creating green jobs that support community development and women's economic empowerment. Fouad also called for a thorough assessment of the socioeconomic impacts of transitioning away from plastic, emphasizing the need for affordable technologies and strong legal frameworks to guide sustainable change. For her part, the French minister welcomed Egypt's active participation in the upcoming conference and praised its leadership in promoting sustainability. She stressed the urgency of advancing solutions to plastic pollution through the adoption of alternative materials, enhanced recycling infrastructure, and a shift toward durable, multi-use plastics. These measures, she said, are essential to preserving marine ecosystems and biodiversity, and to ensuring a healthy and resilient ocean future.
Business Standard
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Ministry of Earth Sciences underscores critical role of India's vast marine resources
Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has launched a white paper titled "Transforming India's Blue Economy: Investment, Innovation and Sustainable Growth" in collaboration with its strategic knowledge partner. As the nodal agency for the implementation of the Blue Economy in India, MoES, has been actively working towards enhancing the visibility and effective implementation of blue economy initiatives across the nation. This white paper builds upon these efforts by providing a consolidated framework that aligns government actions, fosters cross-sectoral synergies, and promotes greater investment to unlock the vast potential of India's ocean resources for sustainable and economic development. The report underscores the critical role of India's vast marine resources, including its extensive coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone, as a vital engine for national progress. It highlights the collaborative efforts of 25 ministries, alongside coastal state and union territory initiatives, in driving sustainable growth across various ocean-related sectors. The report builds upon India's G20 Presidency commitments and the Chennai High-Level Principles for a Sustainable and Resilient Blue Economy, further solidifying its importance within the Viksit Bharat vision for 2047. While acknowledging significant sectoral progress, the white paper emphasises the need for a unified and coordinated approach to overcome existing challenges. It identifies key impediments to growth, limited data sharing, low private investment, and technology gaps, particularly in emerging areas like offshore wind and deep-sea exploration. It highlights pragmatic interventions and highlights scalable and replicable models from across India, including women-led seaweed farming, smart port development, and green ship recycling, demonstrating the potential for achieving both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
The Hindu
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
61-day annual marine fishing ban to come into effect from June 1
Considering the declining marine fish stocks, a 61-day annual marine fishing ban will take effect in the coastal belt from June 1 to July 31. Accordingly, mechanised boats and traditional boats fitted with inboard or outboard engines of 10 HP and above are banned from fishing activities. However, fishing boats fitted with engines of up to 10 HP will be allowed to fish during the period. The Joint Director of Fisheries said in a release on Tuesday that fishermen who flout the government order will not receive a diesel subsidy for a year and will be subject to penal provisions under the Karnataka Marine Fishing (Regulation) Act, 1986. The main objective of banning deep-sea fishing is to protect fish wealth, as commercially important species breed during this period. It is also used to prevent juvenile fishing and excessive fishing. Meanwhile, stressing the need to extend the two-month ban on fishing during the fish breeding season to three months (till August), D. Siddaiah, Joint Director, Department of Fisheries, Dakshina Kannada, told a meeting in Mangaluru recently that there should be uniformity in the ban across the West coast. All States on the West Coast should arrive at a consensus to impose the three-month ban (from June to August). Extending the ban for one more month will help in boosting fish production, he said. The Joint Director said that the marine fish catch in Dakshina Kannada dropped by 28.04 % in the last financial year. The catch came down to 1.72 lakh tonnes in 2024-25 from 2.39 lakh tonnes during 2023-24, he told the meeting presided over by Dinesh Gundu Rao, the Minister in charge of Dakshina Kannada. Stakeholders in the fisheries sector attribute the fall in catch to various factors, including the rise in temperature, illegal fishing using lights, over (excessive) fishing, and bull trawling. According to the State Department of Fisheries, total fish production in Karnataka fell to 9.75 lakh tonnes in 2023-24 from 12.24 lakh tonnes in 2022-23. Marine fish production also dropped to 5.42 lakh tonnes from 7.30 lakh tonnes during the same period. Meanwhile, a report 'Rapid Assessment of Blue Economy Potential in Karnataka' prepared by the College of Fisheries, Mangaluru in 2021, when A. Senthil Vel was the dean of the college, said the marine fisheries sector witnessed acute unsustainability, unrestrained increase in fishing vessels and rampant use of destructive fishing methods in the past decade. In addition, the report said that unwavering demand from the fish meal industry has also led to a decline in commercially important fish stocks and adverse impacts on the livelihoods of fishermen.
