KOTA KINABALU – Sarawak has taken a significant step towards becoming a regional renewable energy powerhouse with the successful energisation of the 275kV Sarawak-Sabah Power Grid Interconnection, enabling electricity to flow between the two states for the first time.
The interconnection, which began commercial operations on 13 December last year, was officially launched at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC). The ceremony was officiated by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, who highlighted the project’s importance in strengthening energy security across Borneo and paving the way for future cross-border power exports to Brunei, Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia.
“With Sarawak’s strong renewable energy base, especially hydropower, we are now in a position to share our power resources with neighbouring regions for mutual benefit,” he said.
Abang Johari noted that the project comes at a crucial time as Borneo, the largest island in ASEAN, plays an increasingly important role in the global transition towards a low-carbon economy. He stressed that Borneo’s rich biodiversity and abundant renewable resources place it in a unique position to support sustainable development and regional decarbonisation.
Sarawak currently operates 3,558 megawatts (MW) of hydropower capacity, which forms the backbone of its low-carbon electricity system. By 2030, the addition of 1,285 MW from the Baleh Hydroelectric Project is expected to raise total hydropower capacity to 4,843 MW. The state is also exploring cascading hydropower and floating solar projects, which could increase overall generating capacity to 10 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 and 15GW by 2035, positioning Sarawak as the “battery of ASEAN”.
The Sarawak–Sabah interconnection improves system reliability by allowing electricity to be supplied where demand is highest, boosting investor confidence and ensuring stable power for communities. It also builds on Sarawak’s earlier cross-border electricity export to West Kalimantan, Indonesia, which began in 2016 and demonstrated the benefits of regional energy cooperation.
Looking ahead, Sarawak and Brunei have agreed in principle to develop a power interconnection by 2030. Conditional approval has also been granted for the Sarawak-Singapore interconnection project, which could allow up to 1GW of renewable energy to be exported to Singapore by the mid-2030s. Feasibility studies are also underway for a potential link to Peninsular Malaysia.
“These initiatives will form the foundation of an interconnected Borneo Grid, enabling better planning, greater integration of renewable energy and improved management of supply variability as demand grows,” Abang Johari explained.
At the regional level, the Sarawak–Sabah interconnection is viewed as a key component of the ASEAN Power Grid, supporting electricity trade and advancing a lower-carbon energy landscape across Southeast Asia.
The Premier added that the project aligns with Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030, the Sarawak Energy Transition Policy and Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap. He also commended Sarawak Energy, Sabah Electricity and all stakeholders involved for their contributions, describing the project as a symbol of regional cooperation in driving sustainable growth.
The ceremony was attended by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji bin Haji Noor, Speaker of the Sabah Legislative Assembly Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Kadzim Haji M. Yahya, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Masidi bin Manjun, as well as other senior leaders from Sarawak and Sabah, together with representatives from Sarawak Energy and Sabah Electricity.
