KOTA KINABALU – Sabah has unveiled an ambitious 17-year roadmap to achieve energy sufficiency, with renewable energy set to constitute at least half of the state’s total energy mix.
The Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040 (SE-RAMP 2040), developed by the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS), is part of the state’s preparation to take over regulatory oversight for power supply and renewable energy from Putrajaya.
This transition will officially begin on January 3, 2024.
The roadmap will start off with the establishment of the Sabah Energy Council, responsible for monitoring the progress of each goal outlined in the master plan.
The council will be chaired by the Sabah chief minister.
ECoS chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid highlighted a key objective of reducing the System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) to under 100 minutes by 2030, a significant improvement from the present 289 minutes.
Moreover, Abdul Nasser emphasised that a minimum of 50% of the energy mix will come from renewable sources by 2035 and 100% coverage of rural electrification by 2030 (98% currently).
“These targets are much earlier than the roadmap goals (of 2040). We will maintain a clear roadmap with milestones, ultimately aligning with the national target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.”
Abdul Nasser projected a substantial three- to four-fold growth in generation from the current capacity of 1,200MW according to the roadmap’s conservative forecast.
The launch event took place at the Sabah administrative complex, Menara Kinabalu. Present were Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, Sabah Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong, and other officials.
Meanwhile, Hajiji emphasised that the roadmap encompasses strategies and initiatives aimed at enhancing energy security, affordability, and environmental sustainability.
He acknowledged the long-standing power supply issues in Sabah and the government's commitment to addressing these challenges.
He also highlighted the Hala Tuju SMJ investor-friendly policy, prioritising basic infrastructure needs such as electricity and water supply.
This plan is expected to facilitate increased electricity supply for industrial requirements. It will further promote economic growth, job creation, and economic benefits for local Sabahans.
The roadmap will explore various initiatives, including the reactivation of the geothermal plant in Tawau, a solar scheme for household and commercial self-consumption, hydropower projects, and more.
Meanwhile, the 15-year power purchase agreement between Sabah and Sarawak will focus on ensuring security and stability of supply, said Abdul Nasser.
Construction is underway on a double-circuit transmission line from Lawas in Sarawak to Mengalong Sipitang, Sabah, to ease the efficient distribution of power to the state, he said. – The Vibes, September 19, 2023
