DNV Norway to help Sarawak accelerates clean energy development

KUCHING, April 1 2026: Sarawak's collaboration through the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability (MEESty) with DNV Norway will help further accelerate the implementation of the state's clean energy development. 

Its Deputy Minister Dr Hazland Abang Hipni (picture) said that Sarawak, which is entering the implementation phase in new energy development, needs the expertise of the body which acts as a global verification body in ensuring the standards and quality of Sarawak's green energy projects meet international standards.

He said this is very important since Sarawak not only supplies energy domestically but also expands the energy market to neighboring countries and states, including long-term plans involving countries in the Asia Pacific region.

“In terms of its geographical position in the Asia Pacific region, Sarawak is strategically located in the middle, compared to Australia which is further away and involves higher costs.

“Therefore, the state government is formulating a new plan to strengthen and further boost the development of the green energy industry in the region, covering major markets such as China, Japan, Korea and other countries and this is a great opportunity for Sarawak,” he said.

He said this in a press conference after holding a meeting with DNV’s Asia Pacific Energy Systems Regional Head for Hydrogen and CCUS, Dr Thomas Koller, at his office, here, on Wednesday.

Dr Hazland stressed that the world’s energy landscape is currently changing rapidly, especially following global geopolitical uncertainties including the conflict in the Middle East, which has prompted countries around the world to reduce their dependence on oil and gas.

In that context, Sarawak is strategically positioned to take advantage of the opportunity.

“With abundant natural resources such as hydro and solar energy, Sarawak is able to produce green energy at a lower cost than other countries, thus making the state the ‘battery of Asia’,” he explained.

In fact, he explained, Sarawak has begun initial preparations since four to five years ago including infrastructure development, legal framework and human resource training to support the green energy ecosystem.