InvestSarawak, China Energy ink MoU to develop renewable energy projects
(Seated, from left) Ong and He Lei exchange the signed MoU documents, witnessed by Awang Tengah (back, centre) and other distinguished guests
KUCHING (April 17): China Energy Engineering Investment Corporation Limited (CEEIC) and InvestSarawak today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop 2 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy projects and related strategic infrastructure in Sarawak.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan witnessed the signing ceremony held at a leading hotel here.
InvestSarawak CEO Timothy Ong signed the MoU on behalf of the company, while CEEIC was represented by its Chief Economist and General Manager of the Overseas Department, He Lei.
According to Awang Tengah, who is Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment, CEEIC plans to invest US$1.35 billion (RM6.0 billion) into Sarawak’s clean energy sector, focusing on solar, battery storage, and grid infrastructure development.
“Sarawak welcomes the strategic investment as it aligns with the region’s vision to harness renewable energy for sustainable development.
“We are committed to strengthening Sarawak’s role as a regional hub for green energy and advancing our transition to a low-carbon economy under PCDS (Post Covid-19 Development Strategy) 2030.
“This collaboration reinforces Sarawak’s position as a preferred green investment destination and supports its vision to power low-carbon industries in line with the state’s sustainable development goals.
“With Sarawak’s strategic move towards low-carbon manufacturing and hydrogen economy under PCDS 2030, the partnership is part of a broader initiative to ensure long-term energy security while advancing the green agenda.
“It underscores Sarawak’s commitment to sustainable energy transition and its goal to become a regional renewable energy powerhouse,” he added.
Separately, InvestSarawak in a press statement said it is committed to facilitating this strategic investment interest in the region to support renewable energy development in line with Sarawak’s development agenda.
“CEEIC is looking to develop approximately 2GW, alongside battery storage facilities and supporting grid infrastructure, to meet Sarawak’s growing industrial and domestic energy demands.
“The flagship investment platform of China Energy Engineering Corporation Limited (CEEC) brings global expertise in energy infrastructure development and integrated clean energy systems.
“CEEIC is a recognised leader in solar, wind, hydroelectric and biomass energy, as well as energy storage and grid solutions.
“It has developed and managed over 12GW of operational and under-construction energy capacity across coal, hydro, wind, solar, biomass, and energy storage projects.
“With investments spanning all provinces in China and extending to Vietnam and the Philippines, CEEIC’s notable achievements include Vietnam’s largest Chinese-invested power plant (Hai Duong BOT); the world’s largest light-heat storage project in Xinjiang (1.5 GW); and China’s largest biomass cogeneration facility.
“Its green energy initiatives reduce over three million tonnes of CO₂ annually, reinforcing its position as a key driver in low-carbon, sustainable energy infrastructure globally,” added InvestSarawak.
CEEIC deputy general manager Wang Honggang was quoted as saying: “We are honoured to partner with InvestSarawak and the Sarawak government in this renewable energy initiative. CEEIC brings with it decades of experience in renewable energy projects globally.
“We believe that Sarawak offers tremendous potential for the development of large-scale solar and hybrid energy systems, and we are committed to delivering long-term value through this collaboration.
“The potential investment of CEEIC shall be in concert with Sarawak’s power development planning, and implemented into several phases and subject to China’s competent approvals,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ong said Sarawak is open for renewable energy investments, and that the collaboration with CEEIC is another step in positioning Sarawak at the forefront of Asean’s green growth corridor.
“This collaboration signifies the latest wave of strong renewable energy interest in Sarawak, reinforcing the region’s position as a preferred destination for green investment.
“In line with Sarawak’s sustainable development policy and its aspiration to become a regional leader in green growth, the partnership is expected to drive local job creation, accelerate technology transfer, and bolster long-term energy security,” he added.
Also present at the signing ceremony were Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Ibrahim Baki; Deputy Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh; Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat; and Sarawak Energy group chief operating officer James Ung.
