Regional Energy Cooperation with Power Grid Interconnection inaugurated

24 January 2026

KOTA KINABALU: The official inauguration of the Sarawak-Sabah power grid interconnection project marked a significant milestone in regional energy collaboration. The ceremony took place at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) in Kota Kinabalu, graced by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.

The event was attended by government officials, industry leaders, and stakeholders, celebrating the successful completion of the 275kV Sarawak-Sabah interconnection line, which became operational on 13 December 2025.

In his speech, the Sarawak Premier highlighted the project as a strategic long-term investment aimed at boosting energy resilience, strengthening inter-state cooperation, and supporting sustainable development across Sarawak, Sabah, and the broader Borneo region.

He emphasised Sarawak’s abundant renewable energy resources, particularly hydropower—and its potential to share power with neighbouring regions such as Brunei, Kalimantan, and Singapore. Currently, Sarawak operates 3,558MW of large-scale hydropower capacity, with plans to add a further 1,285MW by 2030. The state is also exploring floating solar projects on existing reservoirs to increase capacity to 10GW by 2030 and 15GW by 2035, aiming to position Sarawak as a regional renewable energy hub.

The Premier noted that the interconnection not only enhances system reliability and energy security but also facilitates more efficient use of generation resources, allowing electrons to flow seamlessly across borders. This, he said, provides businesses with confidence to invest, industries to expand, and communities to rely on secure, dependable electricity.

He further stated that the project builds upon Sarawak’s previous cross-border cooperation, including its electricity exports to West Kalimantan since 2016. These initiatives have demonstrated tangible benefits such as improved system reliability and reduced reliance on carbon-intensive energy sources.

Looking ahead, Sarawak and Brunei have agreed in principle to develop an interconnection for power exports by around 2030, while a project to export renewable energy to Singapore, with a capacity of up to 1GW, has received conditional approval. Feasibility studies are also underway for a similar connection to Peninsular Malaysia.

The Premier underlined that these developments are laying the foundation for a future interconnected Borneo, forming the Borneo Grid. This will enable better planning, management of variability, and integration of renewable energy sources, maintaining reliability as demand increases.

He concluded by reaffirming Sarawak’s commitment to strategic energy planning, sustainable development, and regional cooperation, positioning the state as a key player in ASEAN’s regional energy landscape.

The event also highlighted the project’s contribution to the ASEAN Power Grid, supporting the regional vision of a reliable, mutually beneficial energy network that promotes shared prosperity and sustainable growth across Southeast Asia.

The successful delivery of the interconnection was attributed to close coordination among Sarawak Energy, Sabah Electricity, government authorities, regulators, technical teams, and project partners. The project marks another step forward in regional cooperation, promising a more resilient, sustainable energy future for Borneo and ASEAN as a whole.