KUCHING: Sarawak will host the 4th International Sustainable Energy Summit next month in recognition of the state’s renewable energy efforts.

Themed “Sustainable Energy: The Future is Here”, the April 10 to 11 summit is jointly organised by the state Utilities Ministry and Malaysia’s Sustainable Energy Development Authority (Seda).

The biennial event is helmed by Seda and this is the first time it will be held outside the Klang Valley.

Utilities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi said the summit was timely in view of Sarawak’s push towards renewable energy.

“We can share our experience and learn from experts what should be done for a better way to manage our energy production,” he said after leading the summit’s steering committee to pay a courtesy call on Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Dr Rundi said the summit would be opened by Abang Johari, who will also be one of the keynote speakers.

In total, it will have 76 local and international speakers, including experts from the United States Agency for International Develop­ment, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, Asean Centre for Energy, United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, National Renewable Energy Lab and Asian Development Bank.

The experts will cover sustainable energy policies and instruments, technologies such as solar photovoltaic systems, bioenergy, hydro power, energy efficiency and financing for sustainable energy projects.

In line with the state government’s vision on digitising the electricity system, the summit will introduce two new topics, the future role of blockchain in the energy market and the emergence of energy storage systems.

Some 700 participants are expected to attend the event, which will include a business matching session to promote commercial activities and an exhibition with 40 booths.

Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2018/02/24/sustainable-energy-summit-to-be-held-outside-klang-valley-for-first-time/#dgrQLSq6XCdAk8od.99