Sarawak eyes RM580 billion to RM700 billion from energy transition
The state aims to lift generation capacity to 10GW by 2030 and 15GW by 2035, with hydropower central to its regional electricity ambitions.
Sarawak expects its energy transition to attract investment of between RM580 billion and RM700 billion as it pursues a larger role supplying clean electricity to Southeast Asia, said Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni.
At the Clean Energy Transition Asia 2026 summit, Hazland put the expected contribution to cumulative gross domestic product at RM550 billion, alongside more than 80,000 jobs. He said more than 75% of revenue generated was expected to benefit groups on low and middle incomes.
The state plans to build on its hydropower resources to attract investors, pursue hydrogen development and improve electricity connections across the region. Hazland said installed generation stood at about 5.9GW, with around 3.6GW supplied by Batang Ai, Bakun and Murum.
Its generation targets are 10GW by 2030 and 15GW by 2035. Among the projects supporting expansion is the 1,285MW Baleh Hydroelectric Project in Kapit, where construction is under way and completion is targeted for 2030.
Sarawak Energy is assessing five river basins through feasibility studies, having identified 12 with potential for cascading hydropower development.
Solar capacity is targeted to reach 1,500MW by 2030 under the Sarawak Energy Transition Policy (SET-P). The 50MW floating solar farm at Batang Ai became the country's first facility combining hydro and solar power in December 2024.
Hazland said grid connections already serving dam reservoirs could enable additional solar development. Natural gas also forms part of SET-P, complementing renewables to support industrial electricity demand and supply stability.
