KUCHING: Sarawak is exploring the potential of working with Singapore on exporting hydropower and attracting energy-intensive investments, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

       The Premier said Sarawak was prepared to supply energy up to a maximum of 1,000MW to Singapore.

       "If they need more energy because of energy-intensive investments in Singapore, we can work together and they can position those investments in Sarawak.

       "That is our understanding with Singapore," he told reporters after opening the World Green and Sustainability Summit here on Monday (Sept 4).

       Abang Johari said attracting such investments to Sarawak would help create high-income jobs in the state.

       He said this underlined the importance of education to produce qualified human resources for these jobs.

       In his speech earlier, Abang Johari said Sarawak was looking into exporting hydropower to Singapore through submarine cables.

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       "Singapore requires significant energy supply for its industries. Sarawak may be able to provide Singapore with our green and renewable generated from our hydroelectric dams.

       "This initiative supports Singapore’s aspiration to reduce the carbon footprint of the power sector by importing 30% of its electricity from low-carbon sources by 2025," he said.

       He added that he met with the Singapore government last year to discuss collaboration on renewable energy and the hydrogen economy.

       "Our initial engagements with Singapore have been positive and we are conducting a survey to explore the potential of power connection between Sarawak and Singapore," he said.

       Separately, Abang Johari said Sarawak aimed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 600,000 tonnes annually.

       He told reporters that the main contributors to carbon emissions included the cement and construction industries and the transport sector.

       "We can reduce carbon emissions through measures such as using renewable energy for our public transport.

       "Our policy is firstly to reduce emissions, secondly to introduce alternative energy and thirdly to educate the public to accept changing from fossil fuel to renewable energy," he said.