Fossil fuels will remain a long-term option: Peter Chin

Fossil fuels will remain a long-term option: Peter Chin By Joseph Masilamany PETALING JAYA (Nov 27, 2010): The exploration and continued usage of fossil fuels will remain a long-term option in the country, Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister, Datuk Seri Peter Chin told reporters today. Chin said that the country is not fully ready to embrace the use of renewable energy sources as the technology is expensive and the expertise required to switch to environmental-friendly energy sources is yet to mature during a press conference after launching Man from Borneo, an autobiography authored by La Salle (Brother) Datuk Michael Jaques . Chin said this when asked to comment on the planned re-submission of a Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (DEIA) by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) for a proposed coal-fired power plant in Lahad Datu, Sabah. The planned re-submission of the DEIA by the utility company came under fire from environmental group Green SURF (Sabah Unite to Re-Power the Future). The group is shocked that although the Department of Environment had rejected the study in August, TNB had stated in its 2010 Annual Report that a revised report will be re-submitted for review and approval of the project that will generate 300MW of energy. Green SURF is concerned that the coal-fired plant to be located between the rainforests of Tabin and the Coral Triangle at an eco-sensitive area of the state. Chin, however, said that country has to rely on traditional sources of fuel as it needs 30,000MW of energy. “All countries in the world are still largely dependent on fossil fuel, and for us, deriving energy from renewable sources is still an option, unlike France which is supported by 90% nuclear energy,” Chin said. He also said if the site in Sabah is not suitable, alternate sites can be found. “We do not just give up,” he said, citing the coal-fired energy plant in Manjung, Perak. “The people of Manjung, are comfortable, although they are living close to this plant,” he added. -- theSun

Updated: 06:51PM Sat, 27 Nov 2010