KUCHING: The renewable energy sector will play a key role in Sarawak's goal to become a regional powerhouse, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

       The Sarawak Premier said that under the state's post-Covid-19 development strategy, the sector was tasked with achieving more than 15% income from foreign markets to position Sarawak as southeast Asia's renewable energy powerhouse.

       "This is not a hollow hope as BIMP-EAGA (Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area) is moving towards energy security in the sub-region.

       "Sarawak is pursuing interconnections within the Asean region, building upon the foundation of the successful interconnection with West Kalimantan as the first step towards materialising the Borneo Grid and the Asean Grid," he said at Sarawak Energy Bhd's vendor awards ceremony here on Wednesday (March 2) night.

       Abang Johari also said Sarawak aimed to maintain at least 60% renewable energy in its capacity mix by 2030.

       In addition, he said carbon dioxide emissions would be reduced by 600,000 tonnes per year through the electrification of Sarawak's mobility fleet by 2030.

       "To fulfil this, the renewable energy sector will continue to implement various initiatives which will provide local businesses with participation opportunities.

       "Sarawak aspires to continue to achieve more sustainable growth and prosperity through affordable, reliable and renewable energy and the state government will provide support and promote public-private collaborations in the renewable energy value chain," he said.