What's it all about Jibby?

On April 9th 2009, the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water headed by Peter Chin Fah Kui was created with one of its objectives being to: ensure sustainable development and conserve the environment for future generations. The ministry also set-up the Special Committee on Renewable Energy (SCORE) which is committed to promoting all types of renewable sources of energy including palm oil biomass, biogas, municipal waste, solar mini-hydro and wind.

Some eight months later, on December 17th 2009, at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen Prime Minister, Najib Razak, said the Malaysian government was committed to reducing CO2 emission by 40 per cent by 2020.

So how is this possible?...

Trepidation as Sabah dirty coal-fired power plant D-day looms - Free Malaysia Today

controversial plant, has finally succumbed to pressure from federal authorities responsible for the country's energy demands.

KOTA KINABALU: Amidst the scorching Sabah heat, dry rivers and raging wildfires, advocates of a greener, cleaner state face up to the burning likelihood that the government's final solution to the state's perennial electricity shortage could be the kiss of death to their efforts to preserve the environment.

The environment impact assessment (EIA) report of the proposed 300MW coal-fired power plant at Felda Tungku in Lahad Datu, is due to be out this month.

The state government, after initially dithering on approving thebah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman rejected the coal power plant in 2008, but rapidly back-pedalled when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced that the controversial plant would be sited at Felda Tungku.

Electricity supply in the state comes directly under the federal government through power supplier Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB), which in turn is controlled by the country's main power supplier, Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB).

SESB and TNB have long maintained that coal is the only option as a source of power supply on the east coast.

"Coal is the most economically viable fuel option for the east coast of Sabah, against other alternatives. Abundance supply of coal from nearby Kalimantan… will provide secured supply of coal at competitive price, thus ensuring continuous operation of the plant and optimum cost of supply/tariff," SESB said on its website.

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