Sarawak In Need Of More Skilled Workforce To Drive Solar Industry

SIBU, June 30 (Bernama) -- Sarawak must step up efforts to produce more skilled workers in solar energy in line with the state government’s commitment to strengthening the renewable energy sector, said Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi.

The Sarawak Utilities and Telecommunications Minister said the move was crucial to meet the growing demand for skilled manpower, in line with the state’s target of increasing power generation capacity to 10,000 megawatts (MW) by 2030 and 15,000 MW by 2035.

“At least 60 per cent of this amount will be contributed by renewable sources, including solar energy,” he told reporters after witnessing the presentation of the Accreditation Certificate to Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS) by the Sarawak Utilities and Telecommunications Ministry (MUTS) here today.

MUTS Electricity Supply director Muhammad Randi Abdullah presented the certificate to UTS vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abdul Hamid.

According to Julaihi, Sarawak had initiated the development of a floating solar power plant, including a 50 MW facility at the Batang Ai Dam, which began operations in December last year.

“This plant only utilises three per cent of the dam’s surface and has the potential to be expanded to other locations such as Murum and Bakun. We have also identified several interested investors,” he said.

Julaihi said that the demand for skilled technicians and engineers in solar photovoltaic (PV) system design and installation would continue to rise, describing the collaboration between UTS and Entera Technology Academy as a proactive and strategic initiative.

“Training skilled workers is essential to developing the entire renewable energy ecosystem across Sarawak,” he said.

Julaihi said the initiative also supports the implementation of the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which positions renewable energy as a key sector in driving Sarawak towards becoming a high-income economy.

“With its vast potential in green energy, Sarawak is on the right track to become the region’s green energy hub and support Malaysia’s aspiration to become the Battery of ASEAN,” he added.

--BERNAMA