SARAWAK Energy Berhad has continuously highlighted its consistent efforts in moving Malaysia ’ s energy transition plan forward . The company further strengthens its support for the sustainable energy industry by participating in the International Sustainable Energy Summit ( ISES ) 2022 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from Aug 29 to 30 , 2022 . Aside from being the exhibitor at the summit , Sarawak Energy ’ s Group Chief Operating Officer , Ir James Ung , also presented as one of the speakers at ISES 2022 ’ s first plenary session . Speaking at the panel discussion , Ung addressed the challenges faced by Sarawak Energy in implementing its hydro projects .
As a significant player in hydropower , Sarawak Energy takes its hydro projects ’ environmental , social and governance ( ESG ) aspects seriously despite being socially challenging to execute .
Ung said : “ As far as Sarawak Energy is concerned , we adopt the ESG principles when we develop our new hydro site , including our existing sites . We adopt the Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Protocol ( HSAP ), fulfilling the ESG requirements .”
Reducing carbon intensity
According to Ung , Sarawak Energy has transformed Sarawak ’ s generation mix from predominantly hydrocarbon to 70 per cent renewable hydropower over the last decade . He noted that the achievement was remarkable as the company had reduced their carbon intensity by 70 per cent .
“ Leveraging on the hydropower potential that we have in Sarawak , we will continue to develop more sustainable hydropower . And at the same time , we will leverage the water bodies that we have in the hydropower ; we will continue to develop more solar energy that will complement the renewable energy mix of Sarawak .
“ In the longer term , we are also developing the hydrogen agenda . We are developing the green hydrogen for Sarawak , and at the same time making Sarawak the green energy provider in the region .”
Commenting on ISES 2022 , he said he was glad to participate as one of the speakers . He said the summit was an excellent
|
avenue for every renewable energy expert to gather and listen to policymakers and other experts - sharing knowledge and aspirations for sustainable energy ’ s current state and future .
Baleh Hydroelectric Project
Sarawak Energy has invested in significant projects , including the 1285 Baleh Hydroelectric Project ( HEP ), to enhance system performance and provide its customers with a more reliable energy supply .
The project is a crucial State infrastructure and hydro-industrialisation project that will help Sarawak reach its 2030 goal of becoming a high-income and developed state by meeting the growing energy demands from energy-intensive industries within the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy ( SCORE ).
HEP is currently targeted for completion in 2027 and is Sarawak Energy ’ s largest hydropower project . The project will ensure sufficient renewable hydropower capacity for Sarawak ’ s development and future growth and meet the region ’ s need for reliable and renewable energy .
Baleh HEP is a Concrete Faced Rockfill Dam ( CFRD ) with an elevation of 225m
|
above sea level . It is located on the Baleh River , about 105km upstream from its confluence with the Rejang River in the Kapit Division towards central Borneo .
The Sarawak government granted formal approval for Sarawak Energy to move forward with the Baleh Project in 2016 . It followed a comprehensive Social and Environment Impact Assessment ( SEIA ) process and approval .
All of Sarawak Energy ’ s hydropower dams are designed and constructed following stringent guidelines set by the International Commission on Large Dams ( ICOLD ) to withstand extreme flood events and follow guidelines set out by the International Hydropower Association .
During the panel discussion at ISES 2022 , Ung emphasised that Sarawak Energy had always worked toward ensuring its ESG compliance . – @ Green
|
As far as Sarawak Energy is concerned , we adopt the ESG principles when we develop our new hydro site , including our existing sites . We adopt the Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Protocol ( HSAP ), fulfilling the ESG requirements .”
– James Ung
|