SABAH aims to increase renewable energy capacity to about 1,200 megawatts by 2030, equivalent to around 37 per cent of the State’s electricity generation mix, the State Legislative Assembly was told Monday.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the target is guided by the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040 (SE-Ramp 2040), which aims to raise the renewable energy share in the State’s generation capacity mix to 50 per cent by 2035.
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He said Sabah’s current renewable energy capacity stands at 307 megawatts, representing approximately 16 per cent of the State’s electricity generation capacity.
“The State Government’s focus until 2030 is to gradually expand renewable energy capacity through the development of large-scale solar, hydroelectric, wind energy, biomass and energy storage systems to ensure grid stability and mitigate the intermittency of renewable energy,” he said when replying to a question from Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup (BN-Sook).
Hajiji said strategic projects include 450 megawatts of large-scale solar capacity, comprising 200 megawatts currently under implementation and expected to be completed between the end of 2026 and early 2027, as well as a further 250 megawatts under the bidding process and targeted for completion in 2028.
He said a 200-megawatt/400-megawatt-hour Battery Energy Storage System (Bess) project is also under the bidding stage and is expected to be completed in 2028.
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He said a 100-megawatt wind power project is scheduled for completion in 2029, while the 187-megawatt Upper Padas Hydroelectric Project and the 162-megawatt Oriole Padas Hydroelectric Project are expected to be completed in 2030.
“With the phased implementation of these projects, the State Government is confident the target of a 50 per cent renewable energy mix by 2035 can be achieved while ensuring Sabah’s electricity supply remains sufficient, stable, reliable and affordable in line with the State’s energy transition aspirations,” he said.
Responding to a supplementary question by Arthur on Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (Otec), Hajiji said the State Government views the technology as a key area of focus because Sabah has significant potential for electricity generation from the sea.
“We have about 70 to 75 per cent of the country’s Otec potential in Sabah, and the SMJ Secretariat has begun efforts by sending officers to several countries, particularly Japan, to study the technology,” he said.
He said the State Government hopes to implement Otec projects in Sabah waters if preparations proceed as planned.
On improving electricity supply in the interior, Hajiji said the State Government has a comprehensive plan under SE-Ramp 2040 to strengthen electricity supply not only for rural communities but also for industry and other sectors.
“Besides the Federal Government’s allocation for electricity transmission lines to interior villages, the State Government is committed to ensuring electricity supply reaches every village and household in Sabah,” he said.
