Malaysia first geothermal plant is private sector project, no cost to govt

Malaysia's first geothermal plant which is set to come on stream by 2019 in Tawau is the private sector project, developed by Tawau Green Technology Sdn Bhd, according to Energy, Green Technology and Water (Kettha) Minister Datuk Seri Maximus Johnity Ongkili.

He said the project will keep zero-cost to the government and that the opposition should stop questioning the project and its cost.

"The opposition keeps asking why the project was delayed and how much would it cost the government. Why bother about that?

"The developer has already signed the Power Purchase Agreement with Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) and if the project were delayed or behind schedule, it is their (developer) loss," he told reporters here.

The power plant at Apas Kiri, which is the first renewable and sustainable project of its kind in Malaysia will supply 30MW to the SESB grid.

Meanwhile, Ongkili said Kettha and the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) as the regulator, would keep monitoring the project because the plant has the potential to enhance electricity supply in the state.

"We are committed to make it successful and once operational, Malaysia will rank 17th in the world in geothermal energy generation and tourism attraction," he said.

-- BERNAMA