The water reservoirs at Bakun, Murum, and soon Baleh are set to offer vast opportunities for floating solar installations. This significant potential of solar resources can be harnessed to pump water, which can then be utilized to generate power when sunlight is not available, thus contributing to a more sustainable energy future for Sarawak. This initiative not only meets Sarawak’s water management requirements but also aligns with our objectives of sustainability and energy efficiency. It underscores Sarawak’s forward-thinking strategy in enhancing its water and wastewater infrastructure to accommodate the needs of a burgeoning population and an evolving environment. Hydropower plants like Batang Ai, Bakun, and Murum harness renewable energy from water, ensuring the sustainable utilization of Sarawak’s water resources and contributing to a generation mix that is largely composed of renewable sources.

Future renewable hydropower will be developed using a series of cascading power sources featuring smaller reservoirs, designed to minimize environmental impact and reduce the displacement of affected communities. The hydropower reservoir presents promising locations for floating solar installations, which can be integrated with pumped hydro energy storage, thus enhancing the potential for renewable energy production from water resources.

A 50MW floating solar farm is being built at the Batang Ai Hydropower reservoir, and it is set to become the largest of its kind in Malaysia upon completion in 2024. These initiatives demonstrate Sarawak’s commitment to protecting our environment while guaranteeing a dependable and sustainable water supply and usage for generations to come.

This article was based on original article in www.theborneopost.com titled Premier : Sarawak to tap into floating solar installations potential on hydro dams reservoirs by Marilyn Teo on 23rd October 2024.