OXFORD, UK – Sarawak has marked a significant milestone in its pursuit of a sustainable energy future by entering into a strategic collaboration with the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies (OIES).
Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Hazland Abang Hipni, stated that the alliance will tap into the global expertise of OIES to drive Sarawak’s ambitions in renewable energy, carbon management, and energy transition. The goal, he emphasized, is to position Sarawak as a regional frontrunner in clean energy innovation.
“This partnership with OIES is a key enabler in Sarawak’s transition towards a greener, low-carbon economy,” said Hazland in a statement on Tuesday.
He highlighted Sarawak’s wealth of natural resources and its ongoing investments in hydropower, solar power, and the pioneering development of green hydrogen technology. Sarawak’s energy strategy, he added, is aimed not only at economic development but also at ensuring social equity and environmental stewardship.
“Our focus is on inclusive, sustainable development that balances economic growth with ecological responsibility,” he said.
A central pillar of the collaboration is a nature-based carbon management initiative championed by OIES. This effort aligns closely with Sarawak’s extensive forest coverage — approximately 62% of its total land area — which stores around one billion tonnes of carbon.
The Oxford-based institute also expressed strong interest in joint initiatives involving research, academic programmes, and the development of regulatory frameworks related to carbon markets and forest-based carbon strategies. These areas are in line with Sarawak’s active policy-making in carbon trading legislation.
Additionally, OIES has invited Sarawak stakeholders to take part in global events such as “Gas Day” and “Hydrogen Day,” while proposing expanded cooperation in research, training, and policy development in hydrogen energy and carbon governance.
“This collaboration is expected to significantly boost Sarawak’s capabilities in sustainable energy and enhance its presence on the global stage,” Hazland noted.
Both parties acknowledged the importance of establishing a robust legal and policy framework to facilitate an effective energy transition and to manage carbon emissions comprehensively.
Hazland concluded that this collaboration, which includes joint research, knowledge sharing, and capacity-building efforts, will reinforce Sarawak’s leadership in sustainable energy both regionally and internationally.
The Sarawak delegation during the visit included several senior officials: Sarawak Deputy State Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Abdullah Zaidi, State Financial Secretary Datuk Seri Dr Wan Lizozman, Kuching North City Mayor Datuk Hilmy Othman, legal representatives from the Sarawak Attorney General’s Chambers, and Kuching North City Deputy Director General Ruzamayer Effendi.
Photo Credit: Unit Komunikasi Awam Sarawak – UKAS
