Please READ this article which insults Sabahan's and our ability to stand up for our environment!

This shocking column was printed by the News Straits Times on Christmas Day.

The columnist (not journalist) stated, "The woolly-minded democracy-boosters in Sabah also need to be very careful of what they really wish for."

He also seems to be confused as what constitutes renewable energy as he states, "Sarawak - ostensibly the new corridor of renewable energy - breezes along nicely without the burden of a public debate on whether or not to have coal-fired power stations." Hello, since when is coal a renewable energy?? And I think all Malaysians know they type of democracy practiced in Sarawak...

But wait there's more... "The green campaigners need to take their fight somewhere else. In these parts, where trees still outnumber humans, the minimal extra carbon emitted from coal-burning is not a seriously damaging trade-off."

(Note: Italicised emphasis added by Green SURF)

Well you can read the full "column" at : http://bit.ly/Blog261209

Judge for yourself....And hopefully you will write to the "columnist" at bimpeabc@tm.net.my and better still write to the Editor at letters@nst.com.my. Please include your name (but you can include a pseudonym), your address and your phone number.

If you agree with this posting please do write to the Editor and make it known.

Sabah Coal Plant Chronology

Proposed Location 1 (2007) : Silam, Lahad Datu

• Coal Plant to be sited at Silam, Lahad Datu
  
• EIA NOT approved
  
• State Assembly concerned about the potential harm it would bring to the community and to the nearby environmentally sensitive areas
• Sabah scraps RM1.3b Silam power plant

Proposed Location 2 (2008) : Seguntor, Sandakan

• Coal plant to be sited in .........Sandakan (Sandakan community fights back)
  
• NO EIA was conducted
• State Assembly rejects due to strong objection from the local community.

Proposed Location 3 (2009) : Kg Sinakut, Lahad Datu.

• PM announced new site to be located in Dent Peninsular, FELDA SAHABAT in Lahad Datu
• awaiting EIA
• CM STATEMENT ON NO COAL POWER PLANT IN SABAH
  

Palm oil millers can help solve Sabah power shortage

By Ooi Tee Ching
bt@nstp.com.my
2009/12/21

SABAH'S power shortage can be mitigated if the government provides better incentives for palm oil millers to generate renewable energy.

There are 410 palm oil mills in the country, of which 117 are in Sabah. Mills emit methane from retention ponds after oil extraction.

"Estate owners can trap methane from the mill sludge to fuel up steam turbines and generate electricity, a renewable source of clean energy," said Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) chairman Datuk Sabri Ahmad.

"This is one of the cleaner alternatives for Sabah, instead of installing coal-fired power plants. Biomass and biogas technology is available now," he told Business Times in an interview in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

"What we need is some financial assistance. Millers need around RM6 million to install methane gas trapping and steam turbine generators," he said.

From January 2010, the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water pledged to facilitate RM1.5 billion worth of cheap loans via local banks for the provision and usage of green technologies.

"Relatively cheap loans is a good start but matching grants can make a difference in solving Sabah's power shortage," he added.

Currently, utility giant Tenaga Nasional Bhd via its "Small Renewable Energy Programme" is offering to buy renewable energy at only 21sen/KWh. Another stumbling block is the lack of connectivity between neighbouring mills to the national grid.

"If the government were to fund the hook-up and raise the price to 30sen/KWh, we can quickly realise this initiative among palm oil millers to benefit neighbouring rural communities," Sabri said.

A good role model is TSH Resources Bhd. Since 2005, it has been turning dirty methane gas emitted by its mills to clean energy. TSH's mills generate 14 megawatts (MW), of which they sell 10MW back to Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd and keep 4MW for its own use.

Methane is one of the many polluting gas in the environment that contributes to global warming and depletion of the ozone layer. Therefore, methane gas trapping and electricity generation is an environmental-friendly initiative.

Next year the European Union (EU), a major biofuels consumer, will impose a target to only accept biodiesel that can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by at least 35 per cent versus fossil fuel, which risks cutting out palm oil which the EU considers to save only 19 per cent.

Sabri, who have just returned from Brussels, said the European Commission's Joint Research Centre - the scientific body responsible for the scientific and technical aspects of EU policy development - is likely to show higher savings for palm oil.

"Having received our latest data gathered from 102 estates in Malaysia, the JRC (scientists) say palm oil could show savings of more than 19 per cent," Sabri said.

http://bit.ly/211209MPOB

Do not believe the claims that Sabah has no alternative but Coal!

Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd recently held a "retreat" for journalist where they made many claims about the safety, energy policies and financial benefits of having a coal fired power plant in Sabah.

DO NOT BELIEVE everything you read, we have alternatives!

Read the following article based on an interview with Renewable Energy expert Adrian Lasimbang:

http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/34562

Empty fruit bunches an alternative to coal?
14th December, 2009

KOTA KINABALU: A community-based organisation has suggested an alternative to coal as a source of energy to boost power supply in the east coast of Sabah.

Partners of Community Organisations or PACOS, said there was no need to resort to “dirty” energy such as coal to solve the power woes.

Adrian Lasimbang, an expert on renewable energy, said empty fruit bunches which were a natural waste product from oil palm plantations could generate the much needed electricity.

“I am not talking about future technology but what is being used right now by TSH in Kunak at their bio-integrated complex where they produce a whopping 14megawatts of electricity using empty fruit bunches,” he said.

In 2005, TSH Resources Berhad was the first in the world to use empty fruit bunches (EFB) as well as palm oil mill effluents (POME) which are produced as residue after the extraction process.

“If TSH can do this, why can’t other palm oil mills? Sabah has 1.4 million hectares of oil palm and hundreds of palm oil mills and most of these are on the east coast,” he pointed out.

Adrian who heads the PACOS Trust Resource Management Programme which includes renewable energy said the technology was simple.

It only requires a small scale turbine with the EFB, which is a waste product, as the fuel.

“This concept is in line with the Malaysian Green Technology Policy which was launched by the Prime Minister in July,” he said.

He contended that the palm oil industry had already taken plenty of resources from the state and now they not only had the opportunity to give back to the people but it would also benefit them.

“The bottom line is Sabah has alternatives to having a coal-fired power plant and the technology is available.

Now what we seem to have is a lack of will from certain parties who say that there is no alternative but this is not true. We have alternatives. Imagine what a great model for the world Sabah will be with this!” stated Adrian.

The TSH mill produces 14 megawatts of electricity of which 10megawatts is sold to the Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) and the remaining 4megawatts is retained.

At least 300megawatts of electricity is needed in the east coast and Adrian suggests sourcing the power from the mills that adopt the technology already in use by TSH.

Green CELEBRATION in KK on the 19th of Dec!

CLICK ON PICTURE FOR DETAILS!

Kimanis Power Plant Can Solve Sabah's Growing Demand For Electricity - Musa

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsgeneral.php?id=458115

November 26, 2009 14:16 PM

Kimanis Power Plant Can Solve Sabah's Growing Demand For Electricity - Musa

KIMANIS (Sabah), Nov 26 (Bernama) -- The Kimanis Power Plant (KPP) at Kampung Kuala Benoni, Kimanis, Papar, can cater for Sabah's increasing electricity demand said Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman Thursday.

He said the project, a joint-venture between PETRONAS Gas Berhad and Yayasan Sabah Group through its wholly-owned company, NRG Consortium Sdn Bhd would be able to produce 300MW of electricity by 2014.

"The power plant will increase the capacity of electricity produced in the state to supplement those produced by the Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB). The KPP will also be incorporated into the state power grid to help stimulate Sabah's economy," he told reporters after the KPP ground breaking ceremony here Thursday.

A portion of the natural gas produced from the offshore fields of Sabah will be used as feed gas to power the plant.

The KPP, covering 41 hectares, is expected to be completed by the end of 2013.

-- BERNAMA

In 2008, CM said "No Coal for Sabah"

RM1.3b power plant is no-go

Thursday, 03 April 2008

KOTA KINABALU: The controversial RM1.3 billion coal fired plant project in Lahad Datu has been axed as the government feels that it may have an adverse impact on the environment.

The issue was brought up during the state cabinet meeting yesterday and it was decided that Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd and Tenaga Nasional Berhad will have to look for alternative sources of energy and sites.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said that after weighing the pros and cons, they had decided to do away with the proposal and not to risk the health and welfare of the communities in the area.

The proposed site is also next to Darvel Bay, which had recently been earmarked for eco-tourism development, and conservation areas like Maliau Basin, Danum Valley and Ulu Segama, which have highly sensitive eco systems, are also in the vicinity.

"We cannot allow such a plant to be built in the location because these conservation areas have been designated as eco-tourism sites under the Sabah Development Corridor," Musa said in a statement.

He added that such a proposal would be in conflict with the SDC policy of sustainable growth via environmental conservation.

Tenaga Nasional Berhad would be asked to look for alternative sources of energy aside from coal.

"I know some say that today's technology will mean the proposed plant is safe and clean, but other experts disagree.

"After careful consideration, we just cannot take the risk. We need to look for more environmentally friendly sources of energy and location.

"We cannot trade off the environment for progress and deprive our future generation of Sabah's natural wonders," he said.

Source: New Straits Times (2008-04-03)

Link: http://kepkas.sabah.gov.my/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=96:rm13b-power-plant-is-no-go&catid=36:year-2008&Itemid=70

Reply to YB

Dear YB of Bugaya, Datuk Ramlee Marhaban,

1. We are not members of the opposition or affiliated with any political parties nor persons, we are just Rakyat with good common sense. We don't blindly follow.

2. Coal-fired power plants is proven SCIENTIFICALLY as being extremely dirty energy source, this is a fact! It produces a large number of pollutants such as sulphur (SOX) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) and a even higher amount of crabon dioxide (CO2). This not only effects air quality of your constituency but also increases global warming and leads to dramatic weather patterns, remember what happened to Philippines recently?

3. What do you think your Rakyat will say to you and the Govt when they are affected by all this 5 -10 years down the road?


4. According to the UN and other reputable sources, developed countries are moving AWAY from coal fired plants because of all these problems and you want Sabah to go for it? Think long term YB.

5. Peninsula Malaysia and Sarawak may have coal that does not mean it is clean and safe, it just shows that the Govt did not listen to them (look at how many States the opposition has there?) and Sarawak we all know is a different political story.

In conclusion YB, get your facts right and think for the LONG term!

Sekian terima kasih.

A message to the politcians!

Dear Sabah politicians in the State Assembly,

We do not have a political agenda or bias, check us out see if we are in political parties. If anything we support the Government! We just have a good dose of common sense and want to protect the people, wildlife and nature of Sabah! You guys, should listen and open your eyes to solutions.

Sekian terima kasih!

Green SURF

ps-guys continue to write to the PM!

No Reason For Malaysia Not To Be Among Leaders In Solar Power, Says Peter Chin

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 (Bernama) -- There is no reason for Malaysia, which has all-year-round sunshine, to be among the leaders in the solar power market, says Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Datuk Seri Peter Chin.

"If Germany with such a low sunshine can be a global solar market, then it is a crying shame why Malaysia cannot be better, with our all-year-round sunshine," he said in his keynote address at the Sixth National Utilities Summit 2009.

Germany generates about 3,800MW (Megawatt) solar power, almost half of the world market.

Chin said Malaysia will soon implement the feed-in tariff like Germany to enable users to sell excess power to the power grid.

It is also contemplating other measures to promote photovoltaics, he said in his text of speech read out by the ministry's Deputy Secretary-General ( Green Technology and Water) Datuk Nor Azmal Mohd Nazir.

If not for households, at least facilities with huge roof spans such as the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, National Sports Complex, Kuala Lumpur City Centre and factories in industrial zones should implement BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaics), Chin said.

As for nuclear power, he said, it is something for post-2020.

He said Malaysia is finalising Renewable Energy Plan to boost its development in the country.

By 2020, hydropower, which now accounts for about eight per cent of electricity generated, will increase its share to 17 per cent, he said.

On water, Chin said traditional water sources are being threatened by pollution due to development encroachment.

While ground water has been touted as an alternative, it is not sustainable and disrupts geological structures and soluble minerals make treatment more costly, hence the importance of harvesting rainwater, especially for non-potable purposes, he said.

Chin said the government is contemplating appropriate mechanism including fiscal mechanism to promote the culture of rainwater harvesting.

Malaysia is also finalising its national sewerage policy and master plan for implementation, he added

-- BERNAMA

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsbusiness.php?id=454613

Good points by Dorothy for the PM!

The following is a really good statement posted by a Dorothy for the Prime Minister: Coal and Sabah

Dear Mr Prime Minister Greetings and blessing to you from Sabah

Thank you for your concern on the plight of Sabahan concerning the shortage of power supply. With due respect, I would like to say that bringing in Coal Power Plant to Sabah is not the solution that we Sabahan wants. There are much better options in dealing with this issue, such as solar energy, biomass and so forth, as to what The National Green Technology Policy (NGTP) is all about. The reason given by TNB for not selecting these options is that, it is still at its infancy stage. But if Malaysia can spend billions in sending an astronaut to space then Malaysia too can spend billions in finding an alternative to Coal Power Plant.

TNB has given an assurance that the proposed Coal Power Plant would be a clean power plant, but it is known that no matter how clean it claims to be, there will still be discharge from combustion of the fossil fuels into the air that causes pollution, health problems (e.g. lung cancer) and also greenhouse gasses in which is the major contributor on Global Warming. Then, there would also be the issue of solid ash waste in which contains heavy metal. These facts can be easily seen in countries that say “We practice Clean Coal Power Plant” The effect of prolonged dependencies on Coal Power plants towards the people and the environment are quite devastating. So bearing this in our mind, we Sabahan are saying “No to Coal Power Plant” not only for us but also for our children, grand children and the future generation.

As a Sabahan I am proud of Sabah’s rich heritage of biodiversity which ages back to million of years and its abundant wildlife habitat. Sabah is internationally known for these. This is affirmed by the increasing number of tourist coming into Sabah. So it is only understandable, why this is another reason, we Sabahans opposed to the Coal Power Plant. We, Sabahans would like to have a comfortable life too, just as our counter parts in Semenanjung but we do not want to have this comfortable life at the expense of sacrificing our pride and joy of Sabah being internationally known of its richness and uniqueness. Please understand our plight and our reason for saying “No to Coal Power Plant”. Give us alternative to Coal Power Plant and help us to safeguard our heritage. Salam sejahtera.

China closing Coal Fired Power Plants in Shangai

Wednesday, 16 Sep 2009 03:51am EDT

BEIJING (Reuters) - China is considering moving the last four coal-fired power and heating plants out of Beijing's municipal area, replacing them with gas-fired stations, state media reported on Monday, in an effort to improve air quality in the capital.

"The existence of a number of coal-fired power plants in urban Beijing does not conform with the city's positioning as a metropolis," Zhang Guobao, head of the China's National Energy Administration (NEA), was quoted as saying in the China Energy News.

"While the heat supply to Beijing residents must be ensured, coal-fired stations that need to be relocated must be relocated, and building gas-fired plants with advanced environmental protection technologies is a first choice."

No timeframe was mentioned for the possible move, and it was not clear where the plants would be moved to if such a decision were approved.

The four plants, owned by Huaneng Power International, Datang International Power Generation Co Ltd, China Shenhua Energy and Beijing Jingneng Thermal Power Co Ltd, have a total power generating capacity of about 2.7 gigawatts (GW).

The plan, if it is implemented, would further drive up gas demand in Beijing, which already tops demand rankings among Chinese cities. Beijing consumed more than 5 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas in 2008.

Beijing's gas consumption by power plants alone would reach 13 bcm by 2020 if all coal-fired plants switch to gas turbines, far above earlier plans, Vice Mayor Huang Wei was quoted as saying in the report.

As a result, construction of gas pipelines, liquefied natural gas facilities and underground storage tanks need to be accelerated, Huang said.

PetroChina, the dominant gas supplier for Beijing, has two pipelines sending gas from Shaanxi province that combined have shipping capacity of 20 bcm per year.

PetroChina has the ability to meet Beijing's future gas demand from residents, heating and power generators, Zhao Zhongxun, vice general manager of PetroChina, was quoted as saying.

The top Chinese oil and gas firm has started early-stage work for a third pipeline, linking Shaanxi to Beijing, while a fourth line is also being planned, according to Zhao.

The third Shaanxi-Beijing gas pipeline, at 822 kilometres, is designed to have transportation capacity of 12 bcm per year.

Beijing's power consumption rose to a record of more than 14 GW in August, and more than two thirds of the supplies were generated from outside Beijing.

Coal-fired plants produce about 80 percent of China's national electricity output.

(Reporting by Jim Bai and Tom Miles; Editing by Ken Wills)

Write to our Prime Minister

Dear all,

Thanks to all who have submitted their comments on the PM's blog, if however you're having problems posting, please comment here, and we will forward the Rakyat's comments to Datuk Seri.

Thank you and have a COAL-FREE day.

Write to the Prime Minister today!

Dear all,

In today's Sabah papers, our Prime Minister declared that the State needs the coal fired plant for the states development.

We need to get the message to him that we do not. And we need to do this NOW and quickly and in big numbers. Send this message out to all your friends and acquaintances. Right now this is more important than a signature drive. Because it is directly in his blog. (Please do not mention solar power-we have been advised against that).

Steps
1. Go to: http://www.1malaysia.com.my/index.php?option=com_myblog&Itemid=54&lang=en

2. Click on his latest blog, whatever that might be, at the moment it's about single stream schools. Click "Read More"

3. Scroll to the bottom of the page; "Write comment You can add your comment here"

4. Write your comments, following are suggestions:

Title: Coal Fired Power Plant in Sabah

Comments: Write what you want for Sabah but please be very POLITE. This man is our PM and please do write respectfully to him. Although it is best that your write your own words if you need suggestions please feel free to cut and paste the following (mind you this is very environment centric):

Dear Sir,

Sabah is a leader in conservation in the region, we really feel that setting up a coal-fired power plant would undermine all the efforts of Sabah's people. The waters off Sabah's East Coast is part of international recognised Coral Triangle and the surrounding forest home to the last remnants of the Sumatran Rhino, please do not risk such priceless iconic species which the world recognises us for. Sabah is the stronghold of orang-utans (11,000 with the majority located on the East Coast of Sabah).

We ask that instead of having a coal fired power plant, plans for the Kimanis Gas Plant which is suppose to generate 300MWs be put on the fast track. As it is the coal fired power plant will take 3 years to build the same for the the gas power plant.

Sir, we ask that you listen to our voices and take another closer look at this issue when we have alternatives such as gas and hydro which would not have the same negative effects as a coal fired power plant.

Sincerely,

Your name or pseudonym.

Get this message out to as many people as possible, we need to let me know now how we feel or it will be too late. It takes a few hours before the post goes up.

All the best to all of us.

Clean Coal not Viable for another 20 years

- report from Energy Matters

The Federal Government's own global carbon capture and storage institute; which costs the Australian taxpayer $100 million a year, has acknowledged that controversial "new generation coal" and "clean coal" power will not be commercially viable until the carbon price hits at least $60 dollars a tonne and as much as $112 a tonne depending upon the process selected. That is not expected until at least 2030.

The report highlights that widespread take-up of carbon capture and storage (CCS) is faced with the stark risk of high project failure rates typical with the adoption of new technologies, but that this can be overcome by "targeted project support, and appropriate incentives for development" - in other words, more taxpayer money on top of the $2.4 billion the Labor government has shelled out for research into clean coal.

According to Max Sylvester, co-founder of Energy Matters, "We've paid this institute $100 million a year to tell us something we already knew; however, what it does confirm is this : carbon at $60 a tonne would make wind and solar power even more cost effective; so why bother continuing with filthy fossil fuels when there are cleaner alternatives. This is where more of Australian tax payers money needs to go."

Mr. Sylvester points out that clean coal is a godsend for the coal industry rather than the burden the sector claims it to be. "To create clean coal takes more energy - therefore, more coal. The coal industry is crying poor about it? It's really very puzzling. What will continue to suffer is the environment, as clean coal is not no-emissions coal. Clean coal technologies should at best be seen as an exit strategy rather than a case of business as usual for the coal industry."

UNITE!

In a place close to the heart of many Sabahans, five prominent Non Governmental Organisations (NGO) have united to form a coalition named ‘Sabah Unite to Re-Power the Future’ or Green SURF, to oppose dirty energy such as coal-fired power plants.

The five NGOs are the Land Empowerment Animals and People (LEAP), Partners of Community Organisations (PACOS TRUST), Sabah Environmental Protection Association (SEPA), the Malaysian Nature Society Sabah Branch and the Sabah office of WWF-Malaysia.

The coalition aims to present positive solutions to the current energy situation in Sabah


UNITE for a greener SABAH!

With water up to their ankles to recognise climate change, the core Green SURF coalition members hold-up the document signifying their coming together to fight against climate change. From left, Anna Wong, President of the Sabah Branch of the Malaysian Nature Society; Cynthia Ong, Founder and Director of LEAP; Rahimatsah Amat, Chief Technical Officer of WWF-Malaysia’s Sabah Office; Anne Lasimbang, Director of PACOS Trust and Wong Tack, President of SEPA.

NGOs Unite for Greener Energy for Sabah

Kota Kinabalu, 31st October 2009: In a place close to the heart of many Sabahans, five prominent Non Governmental Organisations (NGO) have united to form a coalition named ‘Sabah Unite to Re-Power the Future’ or Green SURF, to oppose dirty energy such as coal-fired power plants.

The five NGOs are the Land Empowerment Animals and People (LEAP), Partners of Community Organisations (PACOS TRUST), Sabah Environmental Protection Association (SEPA), the Malaysian Nature Society Sabah Branch and the Sabah office of WWF-Malaysia.

The coalition aims to present positive solutions to the current energy situation in Sabah. “It’s time to promote and provoke a paradigm shift in thinking about the future of energy in Sabah” said a representative of the coalition.

“Sabah has been the leader in conservation work in the region and we even have world-class laws such as the Environmental Protection Enactment, which is why Sabah should be an example in the region for focusing on climate change and taking action to ensure that our energy needs are addressed in a clean manner,” stated Green SURF at Tanjung Aru after a brief signing ceremony which was attended by members of the public as well.

Green SURF is calling on everyone in Sabah to sign a petition to show their concern on climate change with specific emphasis on the planned coal-fired power plant.

“We also want to emphasise that this core group of five NGOs have come together to form the Green SURF coalition because of calls and request from members of the public to offices and also having approached us at various events. We are doing this because of their constant urging,” stated Green SURF.

According to Green SURF, a webpage set up on social networking site Facebook has garnered 1,000 members within two weeks.

“That means about 70 people are signing up daily. We also want to encourage members of the public to visit www.nocoalsabah.blogspot.com which has a link to the Facebook page to find out more about the issue as well as signing the online petition,” shared Green SURF.

Sabah is a place envied in the region for its natural wonders - the sea to the mountains and jungles.

Having a coal-fired power plant is also not inline with management plans such as the Sabah Shoreline Management Plan nor with the Sabah Development Corridor as Sabah aims to be the most liveable place in Asia by 2025.

“Sabahans value this and do not want to risk damaging this ‘Gift from God’, to now bring in a coal-fired plant would damage the world class conservation reputation that we have worked so hard for,” stated Green SURF.

Green SURF also urged the Federal Government to consider developing one of the two budgeted green pioneer townships with green technology in Sabah.

“We applaud our Prime Minister for having the foresight of planning these green pioneer townships and we request that East Malaysia also has one and we recommend that the Government consider one of our East Coast townships such as Sandakan, Lahad Datu or Tawau,” stated Green SURF.

Green SURF also hopes that companies in Sabah will take up the green technology funding allocated in the Budget a week ago.

This December, all eyes will be on Copenhagen in Denmark where countries will be meeting for the United Nations Climate Change Conference to discuss what will become the replacement for the Kyoto Protocol which runs out by 2012.

“At the same time here in Sabah, we will be having a Green Celebration scheduled for December 12th at the BB Café along Jalan Pantai in town, more details will be available on the blogsite,” said Green SURF.

Climate change is a reality. Today, our world is hotter than it was two thousand years ago. By the end of the century, if current trends continue, the global temperature will likely climb higher than at any time in the past two million years. We must act now, not in a decade, but now.

“Sabah is at a crossroads and decisions we make now will forever have an impact on this State, let us make the right choices for climate change and become a world class model of green energy,” concluded Green SURF.

Ends

Fast Facts on Sabah's Power Issues

How much power do we have?

• We officially have about 785 Mega Watts (MW) on the books, however in reality the dependable capacity is about 712 MW while the maximum demand is about 675 MW.

If that is the case why do we have power failures? These figures indicate we have enough supply at the moment?

• Because the reality of the situation is that our supply of electricity is inefficient due to age and lack of maintenance.
• It is estimated that they are running at 40% capacity at present!

Do we need a coal-fired power plant?

• ABSOLUTELY NOT!
• We have alternative energy solutions which were identified in the Sabah Energy Masterplan, this plan identifies hydro projects as a source of electricity generation and does not focus on coal at all.
• For hydro, Liwagu and Upper Padas were identified and feasibily studies and an Environmental Impact Assessments for the Upper Padas is being carried out, these projects just need to be fast tracked!
• Liwagu and Upper Padas would both generate 190 MW each!
• Also note that unlike the proposed Kaiduan hydro scheme which would drown out seven villages both Liwagu and Upper Padas would not and have been in the planning far longer than the coal fired power plant.
• Sabah has it’s OWN natural gas and if the Kimanis Natural Gas plant is fast-tracked we will have capacity of 300 MW, remember even the coal-fire power plant will take a minimum of three years to be built so why not Kimanis Natural Gas or Liwagu or Upper Padas?
• Hydro will come under the purview of the State whereas coal-fired power plant is under the purview at the Federal level.
• Another IPP called Rainhill in Sepanggar is scheduled to generate 190 MW (60 MW by April 2010).
• So the question should be, if we have this “cleaner” alternatives and we still have to wait for three years for the coal-fired power plants how does this solve our electricity issues? Which option could people, wildlife and nature of Sabah live with?

Let’s talk about renewable energies such as using palm oil empty fruit bunches, why can’t we just use this for a power source, after all Sabah is the number one producer of Malaysian palm oil?

• The first and major hurdle to any sort of renewable energy is the fact that the Malaysian Government has a policy in place that limits the amount of power that can be produce by using renewable energy!
• The Malaysian electricity legislation does not allow you to completely “go off the grid”.
• The same legislation limits the production of electricity via renewable sources to only 10 MW and their sell back price to the grid is lower than other power sources.
• Does, this make sense? A coal-fired power plant can produce 300 MW but a cleaner (and even cheaper as the source is located here unlike coal) may only produce 10 MW!
• Following the Prime Minister’s 2010 Budget speech which focussed on green technologies, the Federal Government needs to immediately review these types of outdated policies that are not good for the environment and makes absolutely no sense especially in Sabah for reasons described in number 5 below.

Tenaga National Berhad (TNB) who owns 80% of Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd has repeatedly stated that they make no money from Sabah and that Sabah is part of their Social Corporate Responsibility, so why not let SESB and Sabah proceed with hydro and gas which Sabah has ample resources off? Maybe Sabah should work on certain areas being off the?

• We cannot answer this simple question, only TNB can.
• Once again, we note that hydro is under State purview and coal-fired power plant under Federal purview.

RM500 million was spent to do the Sabah grid which was completed in 2007. The head of TNB, Leo Moggie has stated that once the Sabah grid was completed Sabah would not have power problems. And now, he says once Sabah has a coal-fired power plant, Sabah will have no power problems…

• We as people living in this State should have the right to decide for ourselves!

The current identified location of the coal-fired plant is to the East of Lahad Datu township on the Dent Peninsula.

• FELDA who owns the land where the coal-fired power plant is to be located has been in the area since the 1980s, yet the local community have NEVER benefited as they still lack power supply (there is power to run the palm oil mills) and no access to fresh water (they rely on rain and ground water).
• This place has beautiful beaches and previous studies have already shown that the waters of this coastline is abundant with fish stocks and other marine life. And now even this access to abundant fish stocks is at risk for the locals once a coal-fired power plant begins operation and affects not only air quality but also water quality.
• An estimated RM400 million is needed for infrastructure alone with another RM200 million such to pull the grid to this area!

A city with Coal Fired Plant in Kalimantan

This could be the streets of Lahad Datu or Sandakan or Tawau or even KK

Barges such as these will be a common scene off the coast of the coal powered plant, imagine the potential damage to our marine life which is one of the richest in the world...

Do we want this future?

These pictures were taken in Kapuas River, Kalimantan. Do we want our beautiful Sabah to be like this? Reject coal, we can do better for Sabah...

Chronology of Events

2009:

• PM announced new site to be located in Dent Peninsular, FELDA SAHABAT in Lahad Datu

2008:

• Coal plant to be sited in .........Sandakan (Sandakan community fights back)
  
• NO EIA was conducted
• State Assembly rejects due to strong objection from the local community.

2007 :

• Coal Plant to be sited at Silam, Lahad Datu
  
• EIA NOT approved
  
• State Assembly concerned about the potential harm it would bring to the community and to the nearby environmentally sensitive areas