Latest news with #SustainableandValuableEnergyConference
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Sarawak powers up green energy drive with 10,000 technologist goal
KUCHING: Sarawak is embarking on an ambitious renewable energy transformation that could see the state's power generation capacity nearly double by 2030, supported by a comprehensive plan to train thousands of skilled technologists. The Malaysian state is expanding its renewable energy portfolio beyond its current 70% clean hydropower generation through multiple groundbreaking initiatives. Floating solar installations are planned for major hydroelectric dams including Bakun, Murum, Batang Ai, and Saleh, with these projects expected to deliver an additional 2 gigawatts of solar capacity by the end of the decade. State Deputy Energy and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni announced at the Sustainable and Valuable Energy Conference (SAVE) 2025 that the state requires at least 10,000 trained technologists by 2030 to support this rapid expansion. Currently, Sarawak has over 8,000 qualified technologists in the energy sector. 'Human capital development sits at the heart of our Energy Transition Plan, Hydrogen Economy Roadmap, and Sustainability Blueprint,' Dr Hazland explained during a press conference in recently. The ambitious workforce target could eventually expand to 80,000 technologists in the longer term. The state's renewable energy strategy encompasses multiple technologies and locations. Beyond floating solar, Sarawak has identified 12 rivers suitable for cascading dam projects, with the initial phase targeting four rivers to generate another 2 gigawatts by 2030. Combined gas cycle facilities are also under development in Bintulu and Miri, utilizing a 70% liquefied natural gas and 30% hydrogen blend to produce 1.5 gigawatts of additional capacity. These initiatives collectively aim to boost Sarawak's total generation capacity from the current 5.7 gigawatts to approximately 10-11 gigawatts by 2030, with further expansion to 15 gigawatts projected by 2050. To meet the workforce demands, Dr Hazland outlined plans to channel approximately half of Sarawak's annual 3,500-4,000 SPM school graduates into Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs. The state's commitment to providing free tertiary education at five Sarawak-owned universities, beginning next year, is expected to significantly support these manpower development goals. The comprehensive approach positions Sarawak as a leader in Southeast Asia's renewable energy transition, combining large-scale infrastructure development with strategic human capital investment to ensure sustainable growth in the green energy sector.
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
S'wak eyes 10,000 technologists by 2030 to propel green ambitions ― Deputy Minister
KUCHING (Aug 13): Sarawak is aiming to produce at least 10,000 trained technologists by 2030 to meet the demands of its rapidly expanding renewable energy sector, said Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni. 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.'
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Deputy Minister: S'wak eyes 10,000 technologists by 2030 to propel green ambitions
Dr Hazland delivers his keynote address at SAVE 2025. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (Aug 13): Sarawak is aiming to produce at least 10,000 trained technologists by 2030 to meet the demands of its rapidly expanding renewable energy sector, said Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni. 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.' Dr Hazland Abang Hipni Energy sector lead technologists
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Abg Jo: Sarawak explores strategic partnerships with Korean stakeholders to power clean energy transition
(From fourth left) Ahmad Zawawi and Dr Hazland in a group photo with members from Koen and Korean industry players. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (Aug 12): Sarawak is exploring a potential strategic partnership with Korean stakeholders in renewable technology that could accelerate the state's clean energy transition, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. He said Sarawak has always welcomed strategic partnerships that will benefit the people, region, and nation. 'Our leaders welcome any opportunity to explore new ideas, technologies, and innovations. 'As such, we look forward to learning and exploring new approaches and innovations our Korean stakeholders will share with us in this event regarding hydrogen, smart grids, digital energy systems, and clean technology commercialisation which offer us real, scalable opportunities to enhance our regional capabilities and resilience,' he said in a speech for the opening ceremony of the Sustainable and Valuable Energy Conference (SAVE) 2025 here today. Deputy Energy and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni delivered the speech. Abang Johari, who is also Energy and Environmental Sustainability Minister, said the partnership would deliver value in various forms in line with the state's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. 'These include technology transfer in frontier sectors like hydrogen fuel cells, grid automation and carbon capture; joint ventures and investment facilitation to spur industrial collaboration and local supply chain development; capacity building through research and development, skills training and professional exchange; as well as pilots and demonstrators, to de-risk innovation and prepare for full-scale deployment.' He pointed out that Sarawak's energy transformation is driven by PCDS 2030, which calls for a diversified, sustainable, and inclusive economic model. 'Sarawak is already a leader in renewable energy. With more than 70 per cent of our electricity sourced from clean hydropower, we offer one of the lowest carbon electricity grids in Southeast Asia. 'But we know that we must do more and move faster,' he said. In line with PCDS, he said the state is expanding its portfolio to include utility-scale solar and floating photovoltaic (PV) projects; green hydrogen production for mobility and export; biomass and waste-to-energy technologies; and energy efficiency programmes across industries. On SAVE, Abang Johari said the conference reflected Sarawak's commitment to clean energy and green industry, while providing a strategic platform to strengthen policy implementation, drive green economic growth, attract sustainable foreign direct investments, accelerate technology transfer and localisation, enhance the state's global positioning, develop human capital, and promote inclusive rural development. SAVE 2025 brought together over 260 participants, including experts, policymakers, business leaders, and innovators from Malaysia and Korea to explore practical solutions for transitioning to cleaner, more efficient, and economically viable energy systems. The two-day conference, held in collaboration with Korea South-East Power Co (Koen) and leading Korean industry players, marked the first time Sarawak plays host. SAVE 2025 is part of a progressive energy event series, previously held in Putrajaya in 2023 and Puchong, Selangor last year. Among those present were Association of Professional Technicians and Technologist chairman Ahmad Zawawi Kasmin, Koen senior manager Soon Eon Kwon, and Malaysian Association of Engineers president Datuk Feroz Hanif Mohamed Ahmad. Abang Johari Korean stakeholders lead
