Kota kinabalu: The Sabah government, through the Sabah Energy Commission (ECoS), is delving into the potential of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) as a renewable energy source. This initiative is currently under a comprehensive implementation study along the state's east coast, as revealed by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Chief Minister mentioned that the study involves three local development firms and aims for completion by 2027. Importantly, the development of OTEC technology will rely entirely on investments from the developers, with the Sabah government refraining from using public funds to stimulate private sector-led Blue Economy projects.

While wrapping up the debate on the Sabah Supply Bill 2026 at the State Legislative Assembly, Hajiji emphasized the government's commitment to enhancing the legal and institutional framework to strengthen the state's Blue Economy, particularly for OTEC. This commitment is evident in the enactment of the OTEC Enactment 2024 and modifications to the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) Enactment in April 2024.

The Chief Minister outlined that 15 sectors related to the blue economy have been identified, including marine biotechnology, seafood, coastal protection, waste disposal, carbon offsetting, and maritime monitoring and surveillance. Furthermore, the state government has signed a RM360 million agreement with a private entity to construct a tuna landing port in Kota Kinabalu, ensuring a 30 percent state stake without financial contributions.

Hajiji also highlighted Sabah's exploration of blue economy opportunities within the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Under UNCLOS, Malaysia's Exclusive Economic Zone, particularly Sabah's, spans up to 370 kilometers, covering an estimated area of 334,671 square kilometers.