Sabah: Sabah plans to significantly expand its renewable energy generation capacity from the current 307 megawatts (MW) to approximately 1,200 MW by 2030. This ambitious target, outlined in the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040 (SE-RAMP 2040), aims for renewable sources to contribute around 37 percent of the state's electricity generation mix, as disclosed to the State Legislative Assembly.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor emphasized that the state government's strategy involves a phased approach to expanding renewable energy capacity. This will be achieved through large-scale projects in solar, hydroelectric, wind, and biomass energy, complemented by energy storage technologies to ensure grid stability and address the intermittency issues often associated with renewable energy sources.
In response to an inquiry from Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, regarding the state's renewable energy direction, Hajiji detailed several strategic projects currently underway or in planning stages. These include a 450MW large-scale solar initiative, with 200MW under construction and expected to be completed between the end of this year and early 2027. The remaining 250MW is undergoing the bidding process and is slated for completion in 2028.
Hajiji also announced the development of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with a capacity of 200MW/400MWh, scheduled for completion in 2028. Additionally, a 100MW wind power project is anticipated to be ready by 2029, while the Upper Padas (187MW) and Oriole Padas (162MW) Hydroelectric Projects are targeted for completion in 2030.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that with these renewable energy initiatives, the state would achieve its goal of generating 50 percent of Sabah's electricity from renewable sources by 2035. He assured that the electricity supply would remain sufficient, stable, reliable, and affordable, aligning with the state's energy transition goals.
In addressing a supplementary question from Arthur about the potential of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), Hajiji highlighted that OTEC is a critical focus for the government in developing marine-based renewable energy. He noted that Sabah possesses significant potential for generating electricity from the sea, with approximately 70 to 75 percent of Malaysia's OTEC potential located in the state.
Hajiji further revealed that the Sabah government, through the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Secretariat, has initiated efforts to advance OTEC development. These efforts include study visits to various countries, notably Japan, to explore the implementation and commercial viability of OTEC technology.