Sarawak is promoting the use of solar power as part of its commitment to renewable energy, according to state Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi. The state is introducing the net energy metering (NEM) scheme to encourage the use of renewable energy and save non-renewable energy. The NEM scheme credits solar photovoltaic system home owners for the electricity they add to the state grid.
Julaihi mentioned that, based on a report by Sarawak Energy in 2021, there are 617,255 domestic customer accounts with potential renewable energy generation of 2GW. He also stated that the state has not set a target for NEM adoption, but aspires to reach a penetration rate in line with Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia.
He made these comments at the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Sarawakian developer Hornbill Networks Consortium Sdn Bhd, Vestech Energy Sdn Bhd and Alliance Bank Bhd for solar-ready homes. Renewable energy is one of seven key enablers in Sarawak’s post-Covid development strategy (PCDS) to support the development of six economic sectors towards achieving high-income status by 2030.
Julaihi added that solar energy is envisioned to be one of the main drivers for clean energy in Sarawak and aligns with the state government’s commitment to reduce 800,000 tonnes of carbon emissions by 2030. He emphasized that the MOU is a step in the right direction to help Sarawak meet its economic goals under PCDS and reduce its carbon footprint.
He called on more developers to provide solar-ready homes in the near future. The MOU aims to provide solar panels for 28 units of smart homes to be built by Hornbill Networks Consortium at its Samariang Avenue Phase 2 project at Jalan Bakti. The solar panels are estimated to provide monthly savings of up to RM200 per household.
Hornbill Networks Consortium chief executive officer Hanizam Hashim expressed that the initiative offers homeowners long-term savings on electricity while enabling them to play an active role in reducing their carbon footprint. The company also plans to launch another 500 houses with public electric vehicle charging facilities by 2025 in support of Sarawak’s carbon emissions reduction goal.
