The 30-megawatt solar plant in Kampong Belimbing Subok will begin operations in 2025, said Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof during the 20th session of the Legislative Council (LegCo) meeting yesterday.
The minister was addressing a query on renewable energy development from LegCo member Yang Berhormat Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Momin.
Other solar projects are also being developed by private companies, he said.
The minister reiterated the Energy Department’s goal of having 200 megawatts of solar energy by 2025 to strengthen the supply of electricity and meet the increasing demand.
Floating solar farms are also being considered at various sites, he said, adding that measures are being carried out to encourage the public to install rooftop solar panels.
The minister said an energy safety and efficiency steering committee has been set up to expedite renewable energy development projects that have been planned.
“The integration of this alternative source of electricity, will further support economic development by enabling natural gas to be channelled into more valuable activities such as the production of liquefied natural gas or for the downstream oil and gas industry to strengthen the nation’s export value,” the minister said.
STREET LIGHTS
The minister also responded to LegCo member Yang Berhormat Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan’s query on non-functional street lights by highlighting provisions under the 12th National Development Plan (RKN 12) for upgrading public lighting systems, with priority given to the Muara-Tutong Highway and parts of the main roads in the Temburong District, as well as new public lighting installations in Mukim Lumapas and Mukim Labi.
The minister said the annual budget has allocated funds for maintenance work to non-functional street lights, with the matter to be handled via public contract to address complaints received.
He also noted that there are initiatives to reduce electricity consumption by replacing street lights with more efficient systems and implementing alternate lighting methods without affecting road safety.
“The maintenance and management of these projects will be closely monitored in collaboration with relevant parties to enhance the quality of services in terms of safety and the effectiveness of the national power supply system,” said the minister. – Rokiah Mahmud
