Dr Rundi (fourth left) receives the award from Sustainable Energy Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development of the European Commission Sector head Georgios Pantoulis while Dr Abdul Rahman (third right), Liwan (third left) and Sharbini (second right) and others look on.
 

 
KUCHING: Sarawak’s integrated initiative to expedite electrification in the interior reached a milestone yesterday when the state was accorded international recognition at the 4th ARE Energy Access Investment Summit in Catania, Sicily.

Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (Sares), an innovative government-community partnership model that utilises standalone alternative systems comprising solar and micro-hydro technologies for remote communities, was recognised under the Government in Africa, Asia and Latin America category of the ARE Awards 2018.

According to a press release, Sares, spearheaded by Sarawak government and implemented by state-owned power utility company Sarawak Energy, aims to provide 24-hour electricity to over 40,000 rural people from 8,700 households by 2020 in Ulu Skrang, Katibas, Nanga Merit, Bukit Mabong, Tinjar, Long Bedian, Telang Usan, Bario, Julau, Tatau, Sungai Gaat, Sungai Pila and Medamit.

The RM500 million project commenced in 2016. By the end of 2018, 90 villages will be powered up under Sares, with another 210 villages by 2020.

Receiving the award on behalf of the state was Minister of Utilities Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi. Assistant Minister of  Rural Electricity Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Assistant Minister of Water Supply Dato Liwan Lagang and Electricity Supply director Syed Mohamad Fauzi Shahab were also present.

Representing Sarawak Energy were group chief executive officer Sharbini Suhaili and vice-president for Research and Development, Dr Chen Shiun.

In his speech, Dr Rundi pointed out that Sarawak aims to reach 100 per cent electrification for all her people by 2025.“This is challenging given that about 45 per cent of Sarawakians live in rural areas dispersed sparsely across the mountainous interior, winding rivers and headwaters and remote coastal villages,” he said.

“In the last 10 years through the funding of federal and state governments, Sarawak has raised its rural electrification rate from 56 per cent in 2009 to 90 per cent today paving the way for socio-economic development and opportunities for the communities,” he added.

In thanking ARE for the award, Dr Rundi said Sarawak could continuously learn from the experience of other countries and share the state’s success in the quest to light up rural communities globally.

Commenting on the award, Sharbini said the  recognition was testament to the dedication and hard work put in by several parties including communities themselves.

“Meeting the basic needs by having 24-hour electricity supply represents a start for a brighter future ahead. Sarawak Energy is determined to help the state achieve its mission of 100 per cent electricity coverage by 2025 to benefit Sarawakians, whether they live in the city or the remotest part of the state,” he said.

The 24-hour Sares provides sufficient electricity for each household’s lighting, fans, television and refrigeration, and can power electrical and telecommunication appliances.

SARES displaces expensive, noisy and polluting generators that could provide limited hours of supply for the villagers.

The 4th edition of ARE Energy Access Investment Conference aims to provide participants a comprehensive view of the clean-energy sector policy framework and key industry trends to foster the integration of remote communities into emerging economies around the world.

Over 250 participants attended the event including high-level representation from developing organisations in Africa, Asia and Latin America and from the private sector, financial bodies and technology providers involved in the off-grid sector.