Answer for Oral Question PL297

QUESTION

Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin

YANG BERHORMAT PENGIRAN HAJI ISA BIN PENGIRAN HAJI ALIUDDIN asked the MINISTER AT THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE to state the 'Renewable or Alternative Energy' projects that have been undertaken, such as Solar Power and Waste-to-Energy (WTE), which are not only intended to meet demand from FDI but also support the strategy to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Will the WTE project and the other projects be implemented in 2027?

ANSWER

Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri

The development of renewable and alternative energy is among the Government's priorities in strengthening the country's energy security and supporting the target of the Brunei Darussalam National Climate Change Policy (BNCCP), namely to achieve at least 30 per cent installed renewable energy capacity out of the country's total electricity generation capacity by 2035.

Alhamdulillah, renewable energy capacity has increased from 7 megawatt-peak (MWp) in 2024 to 63 MWp to date and is expected to exceed 100 MWp by the end of 2026. This increase is supported by the 46 MWp Projek Tenaga Suria Kampong Belimbing Subok and the 12 MWp Projek Tenaga Suria of Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad, which is expected to begin generating electricity this year.

The private sector has played, and continues to play, an important role in supporting the development of renewable energy through the implementation of solar energy projects across the commercial, industrial, education and banking sectors. These include the SINAR Project by Hengyi Industries, as well as the installation of solar energy systems under the Net Metering scheme at Jerudong International School and the headquarters of Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam.

In addition, the pilot solar energy programme at Tapak Perindustrian Sungai Bera is currently being studied together with the companies concerned, in collaboration with the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB). This programme will assess electricity consumption patterns, site suitability, and technical and commercial viability before being expanded to other industrial areas. The participation of the commercial sector will continue to be strengthened by encouraging the implementation of energy efficiency measures and the use of solar energy systems as an early preparatory measure ahead of the implementation of the proposed updated commercial sector electricity tariff structure, which will change from being regressive to progressive starting in 2028.

For 2027, the SolarGov Project, involving the installation of solar energy systems at five Government buildings, is currently at the tender evaluation stage. This project represents the initial phase of the phased implementation of SolarGov, with the overall project expected to achieve a capacity of up to 13 MWp, subject to the outcome of the tender evaluation. The installations at the five buildings are expected to begin generating electricity in phases in 2027. In addition, the contract for the country's first floating solar energy project is also planned to be awarded in 2027. Meanwhile, the Waste-to-Energy (WtE) Project is currently at the evaluation stage and is expected to begin operations at the end of 2030, with a generation capacity of up to 15 MW.

In terms of its impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, every 1 MWp of installed renewable energy capacity is estimated to have the potential to reduce approximately eight hundred and ninety-four (894) tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) per year. However, this estimate is indicative and depends on system performance and operating conditions. Therefore, project implementation will continue to be intensified in phases, taking into account the growth in electricity demand, grid readiness, and technical and commercial viability. In addition to large-scale projects, the use of solar energy systems in residential homes through the Net Metering scheme will also continue to be promoted to encourage the use of lower-carbon energy sources in meeting electricity demand, including demand arising from the use of electric vehicles.

In line with these developments, the Government is also strengthening the readiness of the local workforce through the Skills and Capacity for Alternative Low-Carbon Energy (SCALE) Framework, including the implementation of the Solar Internship Programme, which provides practical exposure to IBTE and Politeknik Brunei students at large-scale solar energy projects.