KUCHING – The Sarawak Government has reaffirmed its commitment to clean and sustainable energy development by ruling out the use of nuclear power in the state’s energy future.
Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, said Sarawak has ample renewable resources — including hydroelectricity, gas, and solar — to meet its energy goals, rendering nuclear energy unnecessary.
“Based on the resources that we have, I believe Sarawak does not need nuclear energy,” he said. “Our focus is to be a renewable energy producer, aiming to generate 10 gigawatts by 2030 and 15 gigawatts by 2035.”
He made the remarks while addressing the media after officiating the International Energy Week (IEW) 2025 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Tuesday.
The Premier highlighted the increasing presence of investment in Sarawak’s solar energy sector, stating that these developments further position the state as a regional hub for renewable energy.
He also touched on Sarawak’s ongoing exploration of fusion energy, a cutting-edge technology involving hydrogen molecules — a potentially safer and more cost-effective alternative to nuclear energy. “This technology may allow us to generate energy using hydrogen derived from water, which is a resource Sarawak has in abundance,” he noted.
However, he cautioned that fusion energy remains in its infancy and stressed the importance of thorough research before making any strategic moves. “We should not rush. While it is promising, detailed studies must be conducted to ensure safety, viability, and sustainability.”
In a fireside chat titled “From Sarawak to the World: Journey to Clean Energy Leadership,” Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari reiterated Sarawak’s climate-conscious approach to development.
The event also saw the attendance of Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof, Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, and other dignitaries.
