Sabah has Malaysia's greatest potential for OTEC technology development: Hajiji

Sabah, Malaysia, is poised to become a leader in renewable energy thanks to its significant potential for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) technology. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor highlighted that the state holds 70-75% of Malaysia's OTEC potential, positioning it for a pioneering role in marine-based renewable energy generation.

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Sabah has the greatest potential in our country, covering about 70 to 75 percent of Malaysia's total OTEC potential.

The state government is actively preparing for the development of this technology through the Sabah Maju Jaya Secretariat. Officials have visited Japan, a country at the forefront of OTEC technology, to gain insights and facilitate the project's realization in Sabah's waters. This initiative aims to harness the vast marine energy resources available.

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The government, through the Sabah Maju Jaya Secretariat (SMJ), has initiated efforts and our officers are also conducting working visits to several countries, especially Japan, which has pioneered energy generation using OTEC technology.

Beyond OTEC, Sabah is implementing a comprehensive plan to stabilize and enhance its electricity supply capacity through the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040. This plan ensures that electricity needs, driven by increasing demand across the state, are met. The government also prioritizes expanding electricity access to rural and remote areas, committing to connect every village and household, supplementing federal allocations.

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Insya-Allah, if all goes smoothly, we will be able to implement this OTEC program in Sabah's waters.