KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s power generation profile is set to change with renewable energy having a more significant presence thanks to Qhazanah Sabah
Bhd (QSB).
The State Government’s strategic investment arm is exploring at least 11
renewable energy projects by teaming up with a number of private sector
interests, QSB Head of Engineering and Energy Division Jeremy Kimsin said.
“We have received various proposals from various interested parties to
jointly venture into the renewable energy sector. Some offered their
services to become business partners, investors and even technology
providers,” he said.
Apart from hydro and solar power generation, QSB had also been approached by those keen to harness wind power as well as using hydrogen and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
“Some of the interested parties have met us and presented their proposals,”
Jeremy said, adding that through its subsidiary, WHSB Energy Ventures Sdn
Bhd (WHSEV) for hydro power generation projects.
QSB is also venturing into another five hydro power generation projects
through WHSEV on a Heads of Agreement (HoA) basis.
Jeremy explained that HoA is a document signed between potential partners in
which both parties agree to collaborate and develop intended projects,
subject to the terms and conditions stipulated in the deal.
“For hydro projects, the main requisite is for the investor to carry out
feasibility studies at the proposed sites or rivers. A joint venture
agreement will follow if that waterway is found to be feasible,” he
explained.
QSB was exploring three solar power generation projects after entering into
the Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with various companies. Two of the MoU
were through WHSEV while the remaining one was directly with QSB.
Jeremy said most the of proposed hydro projects were situated within Sabah’s
interior districts where high altitude water sources were located.
“As far said the proposed solar power generation projects, these are fairly
well distributed along the east and west coasts of Sabah to cater for the
increasing demand for energy there,” he added.
The solar power generation projects could materialise within two to three
years while the hydro generation initiative could take between four to five
years, Jeremy said.
“These are however highly dependent on approvals from the various authorities. The sooner we get the mandate from the State and necessary quote from the Energy Commission, the earlier these renewable energy initiatives will materialise,” Jeremy explained.
