SIBU: Sarawak has huge potential to be an exporter of renewable or low-carbon electricity to Singapore from its numerous hydroelectric dams, says Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew.

       The Bawang Assan SUPP chairman said a submarine transmission cable from the state to Singapore is a practical idea.

       "If we recall 30 years ago when Bakun was first announced, the plan was to lay an even longer submarine transmission cable to Peninsular Malaysia. I believe our state government would have thought of such potential and (will do) its best to explore that," he said in a statement on Friday (Oct 29).

       He added that with the state having autonomy over its energy and having its own energy company in Sarawak Energy Bhd, Sarawak is free to decide how and who to sell its excess low-carbon electricity.

       "Sarawak is in a position to be a player in renewable energy in Asean. Next door in Kalimantan, the demand for electricity will only increase with the new capital of Indonesia to be built there.

       "We have to be at the forefront to lead and leverage on our current advantage of being a big producer of hydroelectricity," he said in response to a statement by the Federal Government that the country will not be exporting renewable energy to Singapore.

       "During Singapore International Energy Week, the Singapore government said it plans to import 35 gigawatts of low-carbon electricity by 2035 and mentioned possible supply from Malaysia and Indonesia.

       "What caught the world's attention was the proposition by an Australian company to export solar energy to Singapore by laying a 4,200km submarine cable," he said.

       "At the same event, Malaysia also mentioned its intention to have 40% renewable energy by 2035. At the same time, the Federal Government said on Oct 22, through the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry, that it will not be exporting renewable energy to Singapore.

       "This leaves room for Sarawak," he added.