Sabah begins OTEC implementation study for renewable energy, funded by private developers, as part of its blue economy strategy.
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government is exploring renewable energy through Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC).
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said an implementation study is underway along the state’s east coast.
The study is being conducted by three local development firms and is expected to finish in 2027.
Hajiji said OTEC technology development will be fully funded by the private developers.
“This approach means the Sabah government will not allocate any public funds,” he said during the State Legislative Assembly.
He was winding up the debate on the Sabah Supply Bill 2026.
The government is updating its legal framework to strengthen the blue economy, particularly for OTEC.
This includes the passage of the OTEC Enactment 2024 and amendments to the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) Enactment.
Hajiji identified 15 blue economy industry sectors, including marine biotechnology and seafood.
Coastal protection, waste disposal, and carbon offsetting are also key sectors.
Maritime monitoring and surveillance complete the list of identified industries.
The state has also signed an RM360 million agreement for a tuna landing port in Kota Kinabalu.
Hajiji said the government is not contributing funds but will receive a 30% stake in the port.
He added that the state is exploring blue economy potential in national waters under UNCLOS.
Malaysia’s Exclusive Economic Zone extends up to 370 kilometres under the convention.
Sabah’s estimated area within this zone is 334,671 square kilometres. – Bernama
