Premier has proposed to UKM to jointly conduct research on new solar energy technology

BINTULU, May 23 2026:  Premier Abang Johari Openg has said that he has -proposed to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) to jointly conduct research on a new solar energy technology capable of storing energy for longer periods without relying on battery energy storage systems (BESS). 

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg says he has suggested to UKM to conduct research on production of solar panels that can last longer 

He said the proposal was discussed with the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and a team of engineering faculty researchers with expertise in the energy field. 

He said Sarawak has strong potential in the semiconductor industry and raw materials such as silica and silicon, which could be explored to develop next-generation energy storage technologies. 

“I suggested to them to conduct research. If they can produce solar panels that can last longer. 

“Currently, solar panels only last about four hours before being supported by BESS batteries,” he told a press conference after officiating the Sarawakku Sayang Bintulu 2026 Programme here today. 

He added that Sarawak has raw materials such as silica sand and silicon that could potentially be combined with other metals to increase energy storage capacity up to 12 hours. 

“We have materials to produce silica and silicon. There may also be other raw materials that can be hybridised to extend energy endurance from four hours to 12 hours without using batteries,” he said. 

According to him, such technology has the potential to become a standard energy supplier in the future, while also opening opportunities for the creation of new technologies capable of penetrating global markets. 

He therefore said in-depth research is needed, particularly in metallurgy, to study the properties of silica sand and its combination with certain metals to enhance energy storage capacity. 

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari also linked developments in energy storage technology with advances in supercomputers and real-time data transmission based on the speed of light. 

He said that if high-capacity data storage technology can be achieved, then energy storage technology with greater capacity could also potentially be realised through scientific research.