SARAWAK
September-Ocotber. 2025 | @ green
SARAWAK
19
From palm oil to power
Opening solar opportunities
� Premier Abang Johari announced plans to produce biochar from palm oil residues, positioning it alongside hydrogen and solar.
SARAWAK is set to transform palm oil residues into biochar, marking a significant milestone in the State’ s journey towards a diverse and sustainable energy mix.
Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg stated that biochar would become a key component of Sarawak’ s long-term renewable energy strategy, alongside hydrogen and solar power.
The initiative aims to convert biomass from palm oil waste into high-quality biochar that can be used for electricity generation, helping to decarbonise the State’ s energy landscape.
Speaking at the 40th anniver-
� The initiative focuses on converting palm oil biomass into highcalorific biochar for electricity generation.
sary celebration of the Batang Ai hydroelectric plant in Sri Aman, Abang Johari said pilot efforts were already underway in Lubok Antu, where researchers are experimenting with converting palm oil waste into biomass feedstock.
“ After solar, then hydrogen – the third is biomass,” he said.
“ We’ re trying to use palm oil waste to produce biomass, and that biomass can be converted into biochar.”
He noted that for biochar to be a viable energy source, its calorific value- the measure of heat energy released during combustion- must be sufficiently high.“ This requires research,” he added, pointing to the need for scientific validation and
� Pilot projects in Lubok Antu are already underway, with further research needed to ensure the energy efficiency and scalability of biochar.
scaling studies before commercial rollout.
Abang Johari, who also serves as Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, said this focus on biomass and biochar reflects the global demand for low-carbon, renewable energy solutions.
“ In the future, this is the kind of energy that is renewable and sustainable— energy that doesn’ t harm the environment,” he said.
The development complements Sarawak’ s broader energy strategy that includes hydropower, hydrogen, and solar, positioning the State as a regional leader in green energy innovation and circular economy solutions.
THE Malaysian Photovoltaic and Sustainable Energy Industry Association( MPSEA) Solar Roadshow was held in Sarawak for the first time, providing a national platform for solar industry players to explore opportunities in the State.
Energy and Environmental Sustainability Deputy Minister, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, said the event signalled broader industry participation in renewable energy and underlined Sarawak’ s commitment to partnerships in driving sustainability.
He noted that opportunities spanned solar power, hydropower, hydrogen, biofuels and data centres, reflecting investor confidence and creating new prospects for local companies.
Hazland stressed that renewable energy development was not solely about mega projects, but also about building an inclusive ecosystem where small and medium-sized enterprises, contractors, start-ups, and local communities could thrive.- @ green
Malakoff secures 30-year solar deal
|
MALAKOFF Corporation Berhad announced that its subsidiary has signed a 30-year power purchase agreement( PPA) to develop and operate a 100MWac solar photovoltaic plant in Bintulu, Sarawak.
In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the group confirmed that an agreement had been concluded between Malakoff Evergreen Sdn Bhd( MEVSB), in which Malakoff holds
|
a 70 per cent stake, and State utility Syarikat SESCO Berhad.
Under the PPA, MEVSB will design, construct, own, and operate the solar facility, which is scheduled to begin commercial operations on May 1, 2028. Throughout the 30-year term, SESCO will purchase up to 242,160 MWh of net energy output annually.
Malakoff Group Chief Executive
|
Officer Syahrunizam Samsudin stated that the project marked another milestone in the company’ s expansion of renewable energy( RE) initiatives.
He noted that with the recent award of the 470MW large-scale solar 5 + project and the planned 100MW facility in Bintulu, the group’ s RE capacity had reached 768MW.
|
Solar Partnership: The signing ceremony was officiated by Datuk Sharbini Suhaili, Group Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Energy, alongside Malakoff’ s representative. |
Sarawak-China green partnership
Green Vision: Dr Sim( centre), Xing( right), along with ministers and dignitaries, view the photo gallery display during the event. |
SARAWAK is positioning China as a central partner in advancing its Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy( PCDS) 2030, with particular emphasis on hydrogen energy, renewable research and sustainable growth.
Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, in a speech delivered by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian at the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’ s Republic of China, noted that collaboration with China had already grown across
|
energy, agriculture, trade and education. He highlighted that the partnership is now set to move into more strategic and environmentally significant areas.
Hydrogen energy is seen as a cornerstone of Sarawak’ s clean energy transition. The Premier pointed out that Chinese expertise and investment would be instrumental in advancing the State’ s hydrogen agenda, from production to the deployment of technology.
He also emphasised the role of
|
renewable energy research, biodiversity conservation, and healthcare as fields where joint institutes with Chinese universities could accelerate innovation and knowledge sharing.
Eco-tourism was identified as another growth sector with potential for Chinese collaboration, aimed at positioning Sarawak as a high-yield, sustainable destination. By integrating conservation and cultural exchange, Sarawak seeks to strike a balance between economic benefits and environmental stewardship.
|