Singapore-Sarawak undersea power cable works to start in 2026

S’pore, Malaysia to also study feasibility of a second power interconnection

- Hadi Azmi Malaysia Correspondent

The construction of undersea power cables to supply electricity from Sarawak to Singapore will start by 2026, said the Malaysian state’s Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Speaking after launching the Sarawak Mega Fair at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre on Oct 16, the Sarawak Premier said the state and Singapore would sign an agreement on the purchase of power on Oct 17.

The Singapore and Malaysia governments have been in talks over transmitting 1GW of energy, mainly in the form of hydropower produced in Sarawak.

Datuk Johari said both sides are looking at a 2026 commencement date pending an ongoing shortage of submarine cables, which he is confident could be overcome by the end of 2025.

"Both the Singapore and Sarawak governments, with endorsement from the Malaysian government, (decided) that the cable construction has to start at least by next year," he said.

On Oct 17, Singapore’s Energy Market Authority (EMA) said in a press release that it has granted conditional approval to Sembcorp Utilities, which is working with its consortium partner Sarawak Energy, to import 1GW of low-carbon electricity from Sarawak to Singapore.

"This marks a new phase of energy partnership between both nations," said the EMA in the release.

The awarding of the conditional approval was marked by two ceremonies held on Oct 17 in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.