Kota kinabalu: The Sarawak-Sabah Power Grid Interconnection was officially energised today, marking a historic milestone in energy cooperation that is set to significantly enhance the stability of electricity supply in Sabah.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor emphasized that the project highlights the deep relationship of trust and strategic cooperation between the two Borneo states, which serves as a vital foundation for the state's development. He described the success of the project as a significant achievement that underscores the collaborative spirit between Sabah and Sarawak.
The energisation ceremony, held at the Sabah International Convention Centre, was jointly officiated by Hajiji and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Dr Abang Johari Tun Openg. The event marked the completion of a 275-kilovolt transmission line connecting the two regions.
Hajiji highlighted that the new infrastructure would provide crucial support to the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development agenda, while also reducing the state's reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal-based generation. He pointed out that a robust and sustainable power infrastructure would bolster investor confidence, spurring growth in various sectors including industrial, manufacturing, and downstream industries.
The Chief Minister noted the rising electricity demand driven by population growth and industrial expansion. He stated that the state government has devised comprehensive strategies encompassing short, medium, and long-term measures through the Sabah Energy Council and Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS). These strategies are guided by the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040 (SE-RAMP 2040) to ensure adequate generation reserves and enhance grid resiliency.
Hajiji outlined several key initiatives, including the approval and development of new power generation projects across a diverse energy mix. The plans include using gas-based power plants as transitional energy sources, alongside the expansion of renewables such as hydropower, solar, wind, and advanced energy storage technologies like Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
He emphasized that these measures aim to increase capacity and mitigate supply risks by reducing reliance on a single energy source. The Chief Minister reiterated the commitment to ensuring that Sabah's energy sector evolves in harmony with environmental sustainability, ensuring a greener and more sustainable energy future for generations to come.
Finally, Hajiji expressed his gratitude to the Sarawak Government and Sarawak Energy for their commitment to becoming a strategic partner in Sabah's progress.