PRESS RELEASE
KOTA KINABALU (24th July 2011): Renewable energy must be given a shot in the arm following the new pricing for electricity that kicked in for Sabah and Labuan on July 15, Green SURF (Sabah Unite to Re-Power the Future) said today.
The recommendation comes in wake of Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd’s (SESB) new pricing structure that promotes efficient use of power, lessening the Government’s burden in providing subsidies for ever increasing fuel costs and addressing the depletion of fossil fuel resources.
Green SURF’s call is in line with the viability of renewable energy options that the Renewable and Appropriate Energy Laboratory (RAEL) at the University of California in Berkeley prepared last year. The coalition of non-governmental organisations had commissioned the RAEL report at the height of its opposition towards a proposed coal-fired power plant for the state.
Coalition spokesperson Cynthia Ong said the report advocates the phasing out of costly fossil-fuel subsidies which distort energy markets and provide them an unfair advantage over unsubsidized renewable energy resources.
“According to the report which we made public and even sent to Parliament, restructuring incentives for generation of power from fossil-fuels including oil and gas, will make renewable energy options more cost competitive and stimulate increased clean energy development.
“It is clear from SESB’s own statement that the tariff restructuring carried out by them was linked to Government subsidies for rising fuel costs.
“Sabah is in the position to push renewable energy forward given our global standing as one of the most bio-diverse places on the planet, but we need support from the Federal Government which is in control of energy matters. We are willing to work with the Government and SESB on this,” she said in a statement.
Green SURF decided to share its views on the recent power tariff hike, the first by SESB in 25 years, following queries from the public on what the coalition thought of the issue.
The coalition also received feedback from the author of the RAEL report, Professor Dan Kammen who is now at the World Bank as its Chief Technical Specialist for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, over SESB’s decision to introduce a new tariff.
Kammen said a recent systematic study of fossil fuel subsidies showed that it primarily benefitted the more affluent energy consumers.
He said the joint World Bank and International Energy Agency report concluded that “phasing out fossil fuel subsidies represents a triple-win solution” and that it would enhance energy security, reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and bring immediate economic gains.
Meanwhile, to strengthen its case, Green SURF also made reference to the REN21 publication “Renewables 2011: Global Status Report” released this month which stated that at the end of last year, renewables delivered close to a fifth of the world’s power supply.
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Sunday, July 24, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
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.
***
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.
“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.
***
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
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
***
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
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