Latest news with #SabahEnergyRoadmapandMasterPlan2040
The Star
25-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sabah's energy sector sees promising transformation under ECoS
KOTA KINABALU: Just over a year since assuming regulatory control, the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) is beginning to see tangible progress in stabilising, reforming, and future-proofing the state's energy sector. ECoS chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid ( pic ) highlighted that Sabah's energy landscape, once plagued by supply instability and limited rural access, is now moving towards a more resilient and inclusive system. "When we came in, the priority was to stabilise the grid. We had to put the house in order before we could talk about transformation," Nasser shared in an interview with Niaga Spotlight. The turnaround began with urgent interim measures: leasing 200MW of diesel and gas generation capacity, and deploying 100MW of battery energy storage systems (BESS). These initiatives were crucial in preventing outages and restoring confidence. Sabah is now on track to achieve a 25% reserve margin by the third quarter of 2025, with plans to phase out diesel systems and replace them with permanent gas plants by 2026–2027. "Electrification of remote areas is another area where progress is accelerating. With 96% rural electrification already achieved, ECoS is collaborating with federal and state agencies, including the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), UPEN Sabah, Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB), and JELaS, to reach full access by 2030," he said. Nasser emphasised that innovative off-grid solutions powered by renewables and supported by local communities will be key. 'Electricity is not a luxury. It is a right. We want communities, especially those long left behind, to be part of this journey,' he explained in a statement on Wednesday (June 25). Under the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040 (SE-RAMP 2040), Sabah aims to achieve 40% renewable energy by 2030 and 80% by 2050. So far, 600MW of renewable capacity, mostly hydropower, has been approved, with a total target of 2,000MW by 2040. 'These projects create jobs, build skills, and unlock business opportunities, especially for youth and indigenous communities,' he said, stressing that this green transition must benefit everyone. Major developments like the Upper Padas Hydropower Project will be guided by strict environmental and social safeguards, with early stakeholder engagement, environmental protection, and fair compensation at the core. Sabah's abundant bioenergy potential, estimated at over 800MW, is being positioned as a new growth area. ECoS is working on policies that cap biomass exports, encourage methane capture, and support Government Linked Companies-led aggregation, while introducing premium tariffs for green electricity. 'Bioenergy is a hidden gem for Sabah. It's sustainable, scalable, and it creates rural income,' Nasser noted. While ramping up renewables, ECoS remains clear-eyed about energy security. Natural gas will continue to serve as a key transition fuel, bridging the shift to a greener grid. Sabah's strategy supports both the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and SE-RAMP 2040, ensuring national alignment with local priorities. Through the TVET Angkat ECoS programme, the agency is investing in vocational training, aligning curricula with industry needs, and equipping local youth to participate in, and benefit from, the energy transition. 'We don't just want to build infrastructure. We want to build people,' said Nasser. Looking ahead, Sabah is poised to become a regional energy hub. The long-planned Sabah-Sarawak grid interconnection, expected to be completed by the end of 2025, will enable cross-border electricity trade and support ASEAN energy integration. 'Our goal is to make Sabah a model of a just and sustainable energy transition,' Nasser said.
Daily Express
25-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah on cue to meeting renewable energy goal
Published on: Saturday, April 26, 2025 Published on: Sat, Apr 26, 2025 By: Sherell Jeffrey Text Size: At the Sabah Renewable Energy Conference. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah has awarded all necessary projects to achieve its 40 per cent renewable energy target by 2030, according to Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) Chief Executive Officer Datuk Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid. 'This puts Sabah on a definitive path to transform its power grid,' he said at the closing of the Sabah Renewable Energy Conference 2025 (SAREC 2025), jointly organised by Qhazanah Sabah Berhad and Malaysian Rating Corporation Berhad at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Thursday. Abdul Nasser said the secured projects position Sabah to potentially exceed its goals, with 50 per cent sustainable energy capacity now projected by 2035, five years ahead of the original 2040 timeline. 'Up to 2030, our targets are definitive because all required projects have been awarded, putting Sabah's initial 40 per cent renewable energy target on solid ground while creating room to accelerate the 50 per cent goal,' he said. The transformation is anchored by the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040 (SE-RAMP 2040), unveiled on Sept 19, 2023. 'We developed this comprehensive plan before assuming regulatory powers because we understood the importance of having a clear direction from day one,' he said. The master plan outlines 16 strategic action plans with defined short, medium and long-term goals, complete with key performance indicators. 'Some targets are ambitious, even tough, but necessary for Sabah's energy future,' he added. On its three-pronged energy strategy, he said Sabah is implementing what it calls the energy triangle approach, namely, ensuring energy security through reliable power generation, promoting equal accessibility and affordability, particularly in rural areas and fostering environmental sustainability through clean energy solutions 'Unlike other places, we are not just focusing on affordability, accessibility remains our primary concern, especially for rural electrification,' he said. He said Sabah's energy transition agenda has been specifically tailored to the State's unique characteristics and available resources. 'Our approach differs from the National Energy Transition Roadmap. We have developed solutions that leverage Sabah's resources and address our specific challenges,' he said. Current projections indicate Sabah could potentially reach its 50 per cent renewable energy target ahead of the 2035 schedule if all planned projects are implemented on time. 'We have built-in buffers, but with proper execution, we are confident of exceeding expectations,' he said. He pointed out that achieving these goals requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. 'This is not a task for any single entity. We need government agencies, industry players, investors and communities working together,' he said. Additionally, he noted the unprecedented cooperation seen at SAREC 2025, where competing firms came together for Sabah's benefit. 'We witnessed competitors united by a common purpose, that is the spirit we need moving forward,' he said. He said the energy transition presents opportunities for economic growth and innovation. 'The challenges are real, but they bring huge potential for job creation, technological advancement and community empowerment,' he said, adding that they are actively working to create an enabling environment through policy improvements and investment incentives. 'We are committed to establishing Sabah as not just a national leader in renewable energy, but a regional example. 'This is more than just ambition, it is our collective responsibility. Together, we will build the energy future Sabah deserves,' he said. * 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
Daily Express
24-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Energy sector role critical: Chief Minister
Published on: Friday, April 25, 2025 Published on: Fri, Apr 25, 2025 By: Larry Ralon Text Size: Masidi with the organisers at the opening of SAREC 2025. Kota Kinabalu: The energy sector will continue to play a critical role in Sabah's future economic development, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He said the State Government had launched the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040 (Sabah Energy RAMP 2040), aimed at charting the way forward and outlining key priorities for the State energy sector. 'With this in place, Sabah should be able to fully develop its green energy sector with the potential of providing up to 75 per cent of the nation's green energy supply. 'The State Government looks forward to the continued cooperation and support of all stakeholders in driving Sabah towards a greener and more sustainable future,' he said at the Sabah Renewable Energy Conference (SAREC) 2025: Corridor to Transform Vision to Reality at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort, here, Thursday. His speech was read by State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun. The Chief Minister said Sabah is endowed with an abundance of renewable energy sources that have the potential to offer strong prospects of contributing significantly to both the State and nation's transformation into a high value-added economy. 'The energy sector has been a critical engine of growth for Sabah's economy over the past decades, contributing significantly to the State's economy. 'It is my aspiration to see Sabah's energy sector continuing to grow whilst contributing to positive social outcomes to uplift the quality of life of the people,' he said. Hajiji said the State Government has been aggressively pushing its agenda in encouraging renewable energy and the development of clean energy by implementing programmes that would help promote economic activities and accelerate economic growth to ultimately shape and strengthen Sabah's renewable energy and green industry sector. 'The State Government will continue to develop the necessary infrastructure related to the energy sector. 'We have been steadfast in our pursuit of taking control and managing the State's energy resources to empower Sabah to develop and continuously grow the energy sector more effectively and efficiently,' he said. The Chief Minister reiterated that the State Government had identified a new economic sector – the Blue Economy that involves sustainable exploration of Sabah's incredible marine and coastal resources. He said in April last year, the Sabah State Legislative Assembly approved the new Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) Enactment 2024, paving the way for the development of OTEC as a new source of renewable energy and as one of the initiatives under the Blue Economy. Hajiji commended Qhazanah Sabah Berhad and the Malaysian Rating Corporation Berhad for bringing SAREC 2025 to fruition. 'The State Government is ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to unite efforts, exchange ideas and explore solutions,' he said. * 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
Borneo Post
24-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Energy sector critical in Sabah's economic development
Masidi (fifth right) with the organisers at the opening of SAREC 2025 on Thursday. KOTA KINABALU (Apr 24): The energy sector will continue to play a critical role in Sabah's future economic development, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor. He said the State Government had launched the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040 (Sabah Energy RAMP 2040), which was aimed at charting the way forward and outlining key priorities for the state energy sector. 'With this in place, Sabah should be able to fully develop its green energy sector with the potential of providing up to 75 per cent of the nation's green energy supply. 'The State Government looks forward to the continued cooperation and support of all stakeholders in driving Sabah towards a greener and more sustainable future,' he said at the Sabah Renewable Energy Conference 2025: Corridor to Transform Vision to Reality (SAREC 2025) at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort here on Thursday. Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun read his speech. He said Sabah is endowed with an abundance of renewable energy sources that have the potential to offer strong prospects of contributing significantly to both the state and nation's transformation into a high value-added economy. 'The energy sector has been a critical engine of growth for Sabah's economy over the past decades, contributing significantly to the State's economy. 'It is my aspiration to see Sabah's energy sector continuing to grow whilst contributing to positive social outcomes to uplift the quality of life of the people,' he said. Hajiji said the State Government has been aggressively pushing its agenda in encouraging renewable energy and the development of clean energy by implementing programmes that would help promote economic activities and accelerate economic growth to ultimately shape and strengthen Sabah's renewable energy and green industry sector. 'The State Government will continue to develop the necessary infrastructure related to the energy sector. We have been steadfast in our pursuit of taking control and managing the State's energy resources to empower Sabah to develop and continuously grow the energy sector more effectively and efficiently,' he said. The Chief Minister reiterated that the State Government had identified a new economic sector – the Blue Economy that involves sustainable exploration of Sabah's incredible marine and coastal resources. He said in April last year, the Sabah State Legislative Assembly approved the new Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) Enactment 2024, paving the way for the development of OTEC as a new source of renewable energy and as one of the initiatives under the Blue Economy. Hajiji commended Qhazanah Sabah Berhad and the Malaysian Rating Corporation Berhad for bringing SAREC 2025 to fruition. 'The State Government is ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to unite efforts, exchange ideas and explore solutions,' he said.
The Star
24-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Energy sector continues to be critical for Sabah's growth, says CM
KOTA KINABALU: The energy sector has always, and will continue to, play a critical role in Sabah's future development, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He said Sabah is endowed with an abundance of renewable energy sources that has the potential to offer strong prospects of contributing significantly to both the state and nation's transformation into a high value-added economy. Taking this into consideration, he said the state government has, among others, launched the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040 (Sabah Energy RAMP 2040), which was aimed at charting the way forward and outlining key priorities for the state energy sector. 'With this in place, Sabah should be able to fully develop its green energy sector with the potential of providing up to 75% of the nation's green energy supply,' said Hajiji when officiating the Sabah Renewable Energy Conference 2025 (SAREC 2025) here on Thursday (April 24). Hajiji's speech was delivered by state Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun. 'The energy sector has been a critical engine of growth for Sabah's economy over the past decades, contributing significantly to the state's economy,' Hajiji said. 'It is my aspiration to see Sabah's energy sector continuing to grow whilst contributing to positive social outcomes to uplift the quality of life of the people,' he said. He said the state has been aggressively pushing its agenda in encouraging renewable energy and the development of clean energy by implementing programmes that would help promote economic activities and accelerate economic growth to ultimately shape and strengthen Sabah's renewable energy and green industry sector. Sabah will continue to develop the necessary infrastructure related to the energy sector, said Hajiji, adding that the state has been steadfast in its pursuit of taking control and managing the state's energy resources to empower Sabah. It is also aimed at developing and continuously growing the energy sector more effectively and efficiently,' he said. He said the state government looked forward to the continued cooperation and support of all stakeholders in driving Sabah towards a greener and more sustainable future. Earlier, Hajiji said the state government had identified a new economic sector - the Blue Economy - that involves sustainable exploration of Sabah's incredible marine and coastal resources. The State Legislative Assembly approved the new Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) Enactment 2024 in April last year, paving the way for the development of OTEC as a new source of renewable energy and as one of the initiatives under the Blue Economy. Speaking about the event, he commended Qhazanah Sabah Berhad and the Malaysian Rating Corporation Bhd for bringing SAREC 2025 to fruition. 'The state government is ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to unite efforts, exchange ideas, and explore solutions,' he said. In a press conference, Masidi said that OTEC was a very new avenue to venture into, where only a limited number of countries including Japan have started exploring this industry. 'It will take time for it to see some form of fruition because it's a new source of energy and we have a long way to go but we need to start somewhere, somehow,' he said. 'You talk about renewable energy but we can't just fold our hands and wait, we have to start somewhere somehow,' he stressed. Also present during the one-day conference were Datuk Ahmad Rizal Dahlia, the chief executive officer of Qhazanah Sabah Bhd, and Malaysian Rating Corporation Bhd group chief executive officer Arshad Mohamed Ismail.
