Sarawak Energy, based in Kuching, has made history by becoming the first patron from Southeast Asia to the World Energy Council, a global organisation dedicated to driving energy transition.
The announcement came through a virtual signing ceremony between Sarawak Energy Group CEO Datuk Sharbini Suhaili and World Energy Council Secretary-General and CEO Dr. Angela Wilkinson.
As a major hydroelectric power developer in Southeast Asia, Sarawak Energy’s partnership with the World Energy Council signifies its commitment to supporting global efforts in transitioning towards sustainable energy solutions.
Through this collaboration, Sarawak Energy gains access to a vast network of events involving over 3,000 organisations across more than 90 countries, facilitating the exchange of insights and best practices in energy policies, innovation, and sustainability strategies on a global scale.
Sharbini Suhaili highlighted the significance of this partnership, emphasising that it enables Sarawak Energy to leverage the global energy industry network while continuing to explore energy transition solutions for the region.
“Sarawak Energy will be the first patron of the council from Southeast Asia, joining groups across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia,” he said.
He noted the pivotal role of hydro energy in Sarawak’s sustainable growth over the past four decades, which has allowed the company to reduce the region’s power grid emission intensity by over 70% from 2010 to 2021.
He said the strategic transition to hydro energy over four decades ago enabled Sarawak Energy to balance energy security, capacity, and sustainability aspects, driving sustainable growth in Sarawak and establishing a solid foundation for reviewing other low-carbon energy solutions including floating solar facilities and green hydrogen production.
“From 2010 to 2021, we managed to reduce Sarawak’s power grid emission intensity by over 70 percent. As the world accelerates efforts towards energy transition, Sarawak Energy is developing new renewable energy sharing plans with neighboring countries through interconnections by advancing the Borneo Grid and the ASEAN Power Grid.
This allows us to significantly contribute to carbon emission reduction efforts in Southeast Asia and enhance energy transition resilience in the region,” he added.
Looking ahead, Sarawak Energy is committed to furthering renewable energy sharing plans with neighboring countries through initiatives such as advancing the Borneo Grid and the ASEAN Power Grid.
These efforts aim to significantly contribute to carbon emission reduction in Southeast Asia and enhance energy transition resilience in the region.
