World Kudos for Malaysia in Keeping Sabah Coal Free

PRESS RELEASE

KOTA KINABALU (18th Feb 2011): Malaysia has received a pat on the back from the international community for its decision to call off using coal for energy in Sabah, a move that will open doors to clean power options in the state.

Chief Technical Specialist for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency at the World Bank, Professor Daniel M. Kammen said by cancelling a proposed coal plant in favour of sustainable energy options, Malaysia has opted to invest in a healthy economy and environment for the state of Sabah.

“This is a turning point that should bring deserved praise and partnerships to Malaysia at the upcoming climate conference in Durban, South Africa.

“I am truly thrilled by the efforts of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman and for their leadership in directing the course of the nation and state towards a diverse mixture of energy resources.

“This will help stabilize energy costs, bring new entrepreneurs into the energy field, create job growth, and cut local environmental impact and global greenhouse gas emissions growth,” Kammen said.

Green SURF (Sabah Unite to Re-Power the Future) had commissioned Kammen to prepare an energy options report for Sabah, in his capacity as Professor of Energy at the University of California in Berkeley.

“Energy and environmental victories often do not get the attention that negative events do, but here is a case where a collaborative set of environmental groups led by Green SURF worked with elected officials to create dialogue with the public, and to bring critically needed technical materials such as the energy options report we produced to decision makers.

"I am thrilled to have been able to work with the people of Sabah on this victory, and look forward to watching the international community learn from Sabah’s triumph of planning and partnership,” he said.

World Land Trust Chief Executive Officer and Founder, John Burton, congratulated the Government on making a rational decision that will have major benefits for all.
“It is good that they listened to public opinion, and shows a genuine commitment to the environment,” Burton said.

Lauding the Government’s decision, 350.org Malaysia’s South East Asia Field Coordinator Abe Woo said the move has chartered a new course in history of environmental movement and energy management.

“This signals a positive and responsive government as the whole international network of 350.org continues to support bold moves by the present government in combating climate change,” Woo said.

Jamie Henn, 350.org Communications Director described it as a “victory that’s felt all around the world.”

350.org is an international movement to unite the world around solutions to the climate crisis.

Environmental campaigner Roz Savage shared the State Government’s statement through Twitter, adding that she was honoured and proud to have been part of the campaign calling for the project to be canned. Savage was the first woman to row solo across the Pacific Ocean and was named National Geographic Adventurer of the Year 2010.

Sabah born Yee I-Lann artist and creator of the “Postcards2PM” project which saw thousands signing postcards that were sent to Najib, hoped that the authorities including Tenaga Nasional Berhad and Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd will engage with environmentalists in providing sound solutions.

“I hope the authorities will keep environmental protection at the forefront of all development,” Yee said.

Green SURF also received a number of reactions at its blog site, with readers giving the thumbs up to the government, happy that their voices were heard.

Wednesday’s announcement by Musa that no coal plant will be constructed in Sabah came as a welcome surprise, following months of silence by the authorities after the Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment study for a site in Lahad Datu was rejected in August last year.

***

Green SURF Lauds Move to Scrap Coal Plant

PRESS RELEASE

KOTA KINABALU (16 Feb 2011): A coalition of NGOs here has congratulated the State and Federal governments for finally putting a stop to a coal-fired power plant in Sabah.

In a statement, Green SURF (Sabah Unite to Re-Power the Future) commended the Sabah Government’s strong leadership under the stewardship of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman for pioneering a new direction for the state and the nation.

Green SURF representative Ms Cynthia Ong said the coalition recognises the decision as one that is historic and described it as a “courageous step in shifting our development practices towards sustainability.”

“We have conveyed the long-awaited good news to all our international partners who will no doubt join us in acknowledging the outstanding leadership that has been shown.

“On behalf of the individuals, peoples’ movements, organizations and friends of Green SURF, we thank the Chief Minister and his State Cabinet for safeguarding our priceless natural heritage and strengthening Sabah’s role as an environmental trailblazer in the region,” Ong said.

She said the statement by Musa that the state cannot afford to put its natural environment at risk was testimony of the State Government’s commitment in protecting Sabah’s rich biodiversity.

The coalition founded in 2009 by WWF-Malaysia, Land Empowerment Animals People (LEAP), Sabah Environment Protection Association (SEPA), Partners of Community Organisations (Pacos) and Malaysian Nature Society (Sabah branch), felt the announcement by Musa on Wednesday was proof that views of all parties were taken into account.

Ong said Green SURF had worked hard to have its voice heard, including by turning up at the Parliament building last year to submit its objection, and by writing numerous letters to leaders in Government and its partners overseas.

“We were in the dark as to whether the Government planned to proceed with the coal plant, as we received very minimal feedback.
“Green SURF, and the thousands who had opposed dirty energy in Sabah, take it that our voices were heard and we thank the State and Federal governments for taking this bold step,” Ong said.

She said much time has been wasted on plans to build a coal plant, and that immediate steps must be taken to overcome power shortage through other energy sources, particularly on the east coast.

“We are here to stay and we are ready and willing to work with both the State and Federal governments in identifying and implementing solutions,” Ong said.

Related Link:

Kenyataan Y.A.B. Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman,Ketua Menteri Sabah mengenai KEPUTUSAN KERAJAAN UNTUK TIDAK MEMBINA Loji Janakuasa Arang Batu di Sabah

CM STATEMENT ON NO COAL POWER PLANT IN SABAH

***

Kenyataan Y.A.B. Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman,Ketua Menteri Sabah mengenai KEPUTUSAN KERAJAAN UNTUK TIDAK MEMBINA Loji Janakuasa Arang Batu di Sabah

16 Februari 2011

Sukacita saya memaklumkan bahawa Kerajaan Persekutuan dan Kerajaan Negeri telah bersetuju untuk membangunkan sumber tenaga alternative iaitu dengan menggunakan gas bagi memenuhi keperluan bekalan tenaga di Sabah.

Bagi pihak Kerajaan Negeri dan rakyat Sabah, saya merakamkan penghargaan dan terima kasih kepada Y.A.B. Perdana Menteri, yang bukan sahaja memberikan perhatian yang serius kepada keperluan bekalan tenaga di Sabah, bahkan juga keperihatinan yang tinggi terhadap alam sekitar kita.

Y.A.B. Perdana Menteri amat memahami bahawa sementara kita perlu meningkatkan keupayaan bekalan tenaga di Sabah, ia tidak boleh dilakukan dengan mengabaikan kesejahteraan rakyat dan kelestarian alam sekitar.

Y.A.B. Perdana Menteri juga memahami bahawa salah satu daripada aset berharga yang dimiliki oleh Sabah ialah daya tarikan alam semulajadinya yang masih terpelihara. Sementara Sabah perlu meningkatkan bekalan tenaga untuk memenuhi keperluan pembangunan, kita tidak boleh mengambil sebarang risiko kepada alam semula jadi.

Sebagai kerajaan yang bertanggungjawab, sememangnya menjadi keutamaan kita untuk melindungi dan memelihara kelestarian alam semulajadi demi kesejahteraan rakyat. Kita mesti melindungi khazanah ini khususnya alam semulajadi kita kerana ia merupakan salah satu penyumbang terbesar kepada sektor pelancongan negeri.

Pertumbuhan aktiviti ekopelancongan dan yang berbentuk nature adventure bergantung kepada sejauh mana kita dapat memelihara khazanah alam semulajadi dan tidak mendedahkannya kepada sebarang risiko.

Saya sedar bahawa terdapat bantahan terhadap cadangan pembinaan loji arang batu. Pada hari ini terbukti bahawa segala bantahan tersebut telah diberi perhatian yang sewajarnya.

Kerajaan Barisan Nasional (BN) di bawah kepimpinan Y.A.B. Perdana Menteri adalah kerajaan yang sentiasa mendengar suara dan merasai denyutan nadi rakyat. Kita mempunyai keazaman dan iltizam politik (political will) yang tinggi dalam membuat keputusan yang bukan mudah, iaitu untuk tidak membina loji arang batu di Sabah. Kita sentiasa melaksanakan pendekatan seimbang dan mapan dalam memacu pembangunan.

Kerajaan BN juga menyedari bahawa keperluan tenaga di Sabah perlu dipenuhi bagi memastikan kesinambungan pembangunan di seluruh negeri termasuk di kawasan Pantai Timur, yang kerap mengalami kekurangan tenaga.

sumber: http://www.sabah.gov.my/press/docs/2011001723.htm

***

CM STATEMENT ON NO COAL POWER PLANT IN SABAH

16th FEBRUARY 2011

I am pleased to announce that Federal and State Governments has agreed to pursue other alternative sources of energy namely gas to meet Sabah's power supply needs.

On behalf of the State Government and the people of Sabah, I wish to accord my heartfelt thanks to YAB PM for not only being attentive to our power supply needs but also for his grave concern over our environment.

The Prime Minister understands that while we need to build up our power supply in Sabah, it can't be done at the expense of the people's welfare and the environment.

The PM understands that one of Sabah's greatest assets is its natural attractions and still somewhat pristine environment. While Sabah needs to increase power supply to meet increasing development, the state cannot afford to put its natural environment at risk.

As a responsible government, it is paramount that we put priority on protecting our environment for the wellbeing of the people. We must also protect the environment especially since its one of biggest tourism draw in the Sabah.

The growth of nature adventure ecotourism depends on how well we keep our natural environment intact and not expose it to unnecessary risks.

I know there has been certain objections to the proposed coal powered plant. Today is proof that such objections have not fallen on deaf ears.

The BN government under the able leadership of YAB PM is a government that listens to people and has the political will to take the higher road and not bring coal to Sabah. Our approach towards development will be balanced and sustainable.

The BN government is also mindful that Sabah energy needs must be met to ensure equitable development throughout the state including the east coast where there is a shortage of power.

source: http://www.sabah.gov.my/press/docs/2011001722.htm

***

Clean Coal Plant for Sabah a Myth: Green SURF

PRESS RELEASE

KOTA KINABALU (9th Feb 2011): A group of NGOs here today voiced their opposition to branding any proposed coal plant in Sabah as “clean,” as no such facility exists anywhere in the world at present.

It also warned that any further attempt to force a coal plant in Sabah will close doors to the development of renewable energy in a state that not only has biomass from oil palm waste, but one that is also branding itself worldwide as a biodiversity and ecotourism hub, potentially attracting funds for clean energy options.

Green SURF (Sabah Unite to Re-Power the Future) said the term “clean coal” should refer only to the idea of building coal plants that capture carbon emissions and then store the carbon underground, stressing that the Government and Tenaga Nasional Berhad must stop misleading the public.

“This is a dream for the future, not a present reality. No plant of this kind exists anywhere in the world yet. The Sabah plant, like every other coal plant in the world, will not be able to capture and store carbon. At best, reports show such a facility will only come on stream in 2030.

“Having basic controls on emissions of certain gases and on wastewater does not make a coal plant `clean.’

“What those proposing the plant seem to be talking about when they talk about ‘clean coal’ is the fact that the plant will have certain pollution control devices that minimise the release of pollutants other than carbon dioxide,” Green SURF said in a statement issued today.

The group decided to highlight the issue of clean coal technology as repeated statements had been made on the matter by the Energy, Water and Green Technology Ministry, apart from Tenaga Nasional Berhad and Lahad Datu Energy Sdn Bhd.

Green SURF said the fact that the government has not scrapped a proposed 300 megawatt coal-fired power plant in Lahad Datu gives rise to speculation that there are plans to proceed with it. Past reports state that the proposed project will use clean coal technology.

The group said removing sulfur dioxide, a compound that causes acid rain, and use of low nitrous oxide burners, among other measures, do not merit calling the plant a “clean coal” one.

“These measures only partially control the release of pollutants they are designed to control, and do not do anything about carbon dioxide emissions.

“In no way does the inclusion of standard and usually legally-required features merit calling the power facility in Sabah a “clean coal” type. In Malaysia, we do not have the necessary stringent laws that restrict such pollution,” it said.

Green SURF said the Credit Suisse Group has estimated US$15 billion (about RM45 billion) needs to be invested in carbon capture and storage technology, while the Pew Center on Global Climate Change has stated the cost could be as high as US$30 billion (about RM90 billion).

According to a TIME Magazine article on Jan 10, 2009 titled “Exposing the Myth of Clean Coal Power,” there is currently no economical way to capture and sequester carbon emissions from coal, and that experts doubt there would ever be.

Numerous reports have also pointed out that the cost of generating power from coal using carbon capture technology will be significantly higher.

“The cost and energy just to produce “clean coal” would make using coal just or more expensive than using wind, solar and other renewables.

“We must also remember that coal can never be clean for as long as it involves removing mountains, displacing local communities in the mining process, and polluting their environment.

“Coal ash, a solid by product of burned coal contains arsenic and could bring to a rise in cancer cases by several hundred times, the US Environmental Protection Agency has reported,” Green SURF said.

The group further warned that escalating global food prices which are also impacting Malaysia, were to a certain extent caused by climate change, and that one report has estimated changes in weather could cause prices to go up by 20 per cent within this decade.

“Scientists say 350 parts per million of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is the safe limit for humanity, and that is why Green SURF is here. We want to play our part in bringing the level of carbon dioxide down from its present 389 parts per million.

Green SURF was set up over a year ago following the announcement by the Federal Government that a 300 megawatt coal plant would be built in Kampung Sinakut, Lahad Datu.

The coalition’s founding members are WWF Malaysia, Land Empowerment Animals People (LEAP), Sabah Environment Protection Association (SEPA), Partners of Community Organisations (PACOS) and the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) Sabah branch.

***