Kuching: The Sarawak government plans to establish a dedicated institution for renewable energy studies, which is expected to be opened at its wholly-owned i-CATS University College. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced that the institution will collaborate with Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) to advance its initiatives.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Abang Johari emphasized that the studies will be conducted at i-CATS, highlighting that the university belongs to Sarawak. He mentioned that deserving students will receive free education at the university, which will enable Sarawak to produce skilled experts in energy and gas fields. Abang Johari, who also serves as the president of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), made these remarks during the opening ceremony of the PBB Southern Zone delegates meeting.

Earlier today, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof proposed the establishment of the institution, emphasizing Sarawak's position as Malaysia's leading renewable energy producer. He noted Sarawak's achievement of a 62 percent renewable energy mix capacity last year, surpassing the 60 percent target set in the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).

Fadillah highlighted that renewable energy is a key driver of socio-economic growth, aiming to transform Sarawak into a high-income state by 2030. He also mentioned recent advancements in hydrogen research in Sarawak, which have attracted interest from Japan and Korea, positioning Sarawak as a potential hub for the hydrogen economy in Asia. As Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), Fadillah frequently seeks guidance from Abang Johari on renewable energy matters.