Sarawak Energy has been handed over the Long San Solar Hybrid Station by Shanghai Electric, marking a significant milestone in Sarawak’s green initiatives and reaffirming its commitment towards promoting sustainable energy solutions, even in remote areas.
The handover ceremony which took place in Kuching on 11 May 2023 was officiated by the Premier of Sarawak YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg.
The solar hybrid station is expected to provide cleaner, more consistent and more affordable electricity supply to the Long San community in Baram, enabling them to enjoy basic services such as healthcare and education, gain access to connectivity and engagement beyond their home village, as well as seize opportunities to enhance their socio-economic well-being.
In the long run, with the sharing of technologies and transfer of technical skills with strategic partners such as Shanghai Electric, Sarawak will possess innovative and sustainable methods needed to achieve full electrification across the State by 2025.
“We will continue to take steps to close the gap between rural and urban communities and we will leverage existing initiatives like the Rural Electrification Scheme (RES) and Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (SARES) to provide affordable electricity to move closer towards realising this goal,” said the Premier of Sarawak in his remarks during the event.
About Long San Solar Hybrid Station
- A donation from Shanghai Electric worth RM10 million, consisting of supply, delivery, installation, testing and commissioning of 350 kilowatt ‘peak’ (kWp) of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels; seven (7) racks of batteries; associated electronic converters and control systems.
- First solar hybrid in Sarawak to use advanced lithium-ion battery and an energy management system to optimise renewable energy generation and to reduce dependence on expensive diesel fuel
- Construction of station commenced in January 2021; completed in April 2022.
How does the Solar Hybrid Station Benefit the Long San Community?
Before: Domestic households supplied by off-grid diesel power station with installed capacity of 345kW. Inconsistent energy supply was commonplace.
Now: 104 households and 16 other properties in Long San – incl. church, clinic, mission houses and school – are powered by sustainable, renewable energy produced by the solar hybrid station.
Sarawak’s Rural Electricity Coverage
As of 2022:
- 97.9% of Rural Households in Sarawak have access to 24-hour electricity supply
- Over 25,000 households at previously unelectrified areas have been provided access to electricity supply for the past 3 years
- Since rural electrification began in 2009, more than 150,000 families in rural villages enjoy reliable and affordable electricity. Many are powered by SARES that gives electricity supply at no cost, although consumption is limited.
References:
Ian, D. (2023, May 11). SEB chairman: Sarawak on track to achieve full electrification by 2025. Borneo Post Online. https://www.theborneopost.com/2023/05/11/seb-chairman-sarawak-on-track-to-achieve-full-electrification-by-2025/
Sarawak Energy. (2023, May 11). Long San Community To Enjoy A Greater Supply Of Energy From Its New Solar Hybrid Station. [Press release]. https://www.sarawakenergy.com/media-info/media-releases/2023/long-san-community-to-enjoy-a-greater-supply-of-energy-from-its-new-solar-hybrid-station
UKAS. (2023, May 11). SIARAN LANGSUNG – 11 MEI 2023 – Majlis Penyerahan Stesen Solar Hibrid Long San di Antara Shanghai Electric dan Sarawak Energy. [Livestream]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/unitkomunikasidanpenerangansarawak/videos/siaran-langsung-11-mei-2023-majlis-penyerahan-stesen-solar-hibrid-long-san-di-an/187268810926421/
