The renewable energy (RE) potential in Sabah is projected to exceed 2,700 megawatt (MW) in total if fully exploited, said Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili.
He said most of the capacity was expected to come from hydro resources at 1,930MW, geothermal (405MW) and biomass (370MW).
“Sabah is already a leader in grid-connected RE power plants such as from oil palm biomass, biogas and small hydro, and very soon, geothermal sources.
“There are five RE power plants with a total installed capacity of 36.5MW operating in Sabah. The biomass plants account for 30MW while the remaining 6.5MW comes from mini hydro,” he added.
Ongkili was speaking at the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) involving Tawau Green Energy (TGE) Sdn Bhd, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Atlas Copco, as well as the launch of the Renewable Energy Association of Sabah (REASabah) here on Thursday.
According to the minister, one of the RE projects in Sabah was Malaysia’s first geothermal power plant being built by Tawau Green Energy at Apas Kiri in Tawau, with capacity of 36MW.
He said the plant when commissioned would not only help to reinforce generation capacity in Sabah’s east cost but would also put Malaysia on the world map of geothermal power production.
On the MoU signed with UMS, Ongkili said it would enable the university to utilise TGE’s project site to undertake research in the field of geology, geophysics, chemistry and other related studies, and the insight gained from the research was expected to boost capacity building in geothermal energy.
He said findings from the research would also facilitate future development of geothermal resources exploration in the country, especially in the Tawau-Semporna peninsula.
On REASabah, Ongkili hoped the new association would provide Sabah RE industry players a platform to exchange ideas and network constructively to strengthen the industry in the state.
