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.
