SARAWAK’S first floating solar farm at the Batang Ai hydroelectric dam reservoir is expected to be commissioned next year, Premier Abang Johari Openg said.

He said the solar farm will also be the state’s first major generation hybrid between hydro and solar.

Once commissioned, the farm – the state’s exploration in other renewable energy sources – is expected to offset around 52 kilotonnes of carbon emissions annually and contribute towards further decarbonisation of the Sarawak power grid.

He said based on the state’s generation and network capacity until 2031, it has the potential to churn out 1,500Mw of solar capacity.

One other renewable energy source the state is exploring is the battery energy storage system (BESS).

Abang Johari said state power company Sarawak Energy Bhd has also embarked on a pilot 60Mw on the BESS.

It will be located at its Sejingkat coal-fired power plant.

“The BESS will provide critical grid services, such as peak shaving as well as spinning reserve, and optimise generation assets – minimising the carbon emissions associated with traditional power generation.

“It will also help mitigate the intermittency issues associated with variable renewable energy such as solar – making them more viable.” – September 6, 2023.