With the theme “Transitioning Towards A Net Zero Carbon Future”, the 5th International Energy Week (IEW) reflects on Sarawak Government’s ambitions and commitment to environmental sustainability and the energy transition.
About 5th IEW 2023:
Theme: Transitioning Towards A Net Zero Carbon Future
Organiser: Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability
Objective: To learn the path ofcommitting to energy transition and achieve a net zero carbon future
Duration: 13th -15th June 2023
Participants: 29 expert speakers, 350 international Summit delegates, 217 exhibiting companies from 15 countries and over 5,000 trade buyers
Highlighted roundtable session:
- “Net Zero Carbon Future – Challenges and Opportunities”,
- Sarawak Investment: Fueling Sarawak’s Sustainable Future”,
- and the “Focus on Indonesia”
“Sarawak Government is steadfast in its commitment to a Net Zero Carbon Future. I am pleased that Sarawak has taken the lead in many clean energy initiatives that will form the foundation of a sustainable and vibrant economy and at the same time, position ourselves as the clean energy hub for the region,” said the Sarawak Premier, YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg in his speech during IEW 2023 on 13 June 2023.
Over the past decade, Sarawak has experienced a notable shift towards decarbonization, resulting in a 72 per cent reduction in grid emission intensity between 2010 and 2020.
“This achievement has been made possible by our steadfast commitment to renewable energy sources, which continues to drive our sustainable socio-economic growth today.”
Sarawak’s energy generation mix has undergone a successful transition from 92 per cent reliance on fossil fuels in 2010 to 70 per cent hydropower by 2015, supplemented by thermal resources for energy security.
Sarawak aimed is to maintain a renewable energy capacity mix of at least 60 per cent, with a specific focus on renewable hydropower and an increase in alternative sources.
“By prioritizing renewable energy, we can curtail our carbon footprint and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change,” said the Premier.
With the transportation sector being a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, Sarawak strives to reduce its CO2 emissions by 600,000 metric tonnes per annum by electrifying the transportation fleet.
“The ART project by Sarawak Metro will revolutionize our urban transportation and contribute to our decarbonization efforts,” said Premier.
In its latest effort to achieve a net zero future, the Premier mentioned that Sarawak has licensed the country and the region’s first CCS (Carbon Capture and Sequestration) project off the coast of Sarawak at the Petronas Kasawari fields off Bintulu.
The project is estimated to reduce up to 3.3 million tonnes annually of carbon dioxide extracted from the field, making it one of the world’s largest offshore CCS projects.
“This achievement firmly positions Sarawak as a global leader in this cutting-edge technology towards achieving net-zero carbon by 2050,” he said.
Sarawak’s milestone and effort in energy transition and achieving a net zero future:
- The launch of Sejingkat Power Algae Pilot Plant, the biggest algae farm in the world to absorb carbon
- The launch of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Airbus A220
- Cultivation of algae to 1,000 acres that can produce about 500,000 tonnes per annum of crude algae oil or renewable oil
- Sarawak Autonomous Rail Transit (ART) project
- Bintulu Hydrogen Projects (H2ornbill Train and H2biscus Train expected to be operationalized in 2027)
- Rembus Hydrogen Production Plant, expected to be completed in 2025
- Sarawak Refuelling Station
- Amendment of and Forest (Forest Carbon Activity) Rules, 2022 to providing a legal framework to regulate forest resources
- The launch of Sarawak’s first CCS (Carbon Capture and Sequestration) project off the coast of Sarawak at the Petronas Kasawari fields off Bintulu
