Sarawak: Sarawak must step up efforts to produce more skilled workers in solar energy in line with the state government's commitment to strengthening the renewable energy sector, said Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi. The Sarawak Utilities and Telecommunications Minister emphasized the importance of this move to meet the growing demand for skilled manpower, as the state targets an increase in power generation capacity to 10,000 megawatts (MW) by 2030 and 15,000 MW by 2035.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, at least 60 percent of this power generation will come from renewable sources, including solar energy. Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi mentioned this during an event where the Sarawak Utilities and Telecommunications Ministry (MUTS) presented the Accreditation Certificate to Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS). The certificate was handed over by MUTS Electricity Supply director Muhammad Randi Abdullah to UTS vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abdul Hamid.
Julaihi highlighted the development of a floating solar power plant in Sarawak, including a 50 MW facility at the Batang Ai Dam, which started operations in December last year. This plant uses only three percent of the dam's surface and has the potential for expansion to other locations like Murum and Bakun, with several investors already showing interest.
The Minister noted a rising demand for skilled technicians and engineers in solar photovoltaic (PV) system design and installation and praised the collaboration between UTS and Entera Technology Academy as a strategic move. He stressed that training skilled workers is essential for developing the renewable energy ecosystem across Sarawak.
This initiative is also aligned with the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which positions renewable energy as a critical sector for driving Sarawak towards a high-income economy. Julaihi added that with its vast potential in green energy, Sarawak is on the right track to become the region's green energy hub and support Malaysia's aspiration to be the Battery of ASEAN.