NEWS & UPDATES

KUCHING
1 NOVEMBER 2026

Sarawak Energy today marked a milestone in its exploration of clean technologies with the official naming of its first purpose-built, solar-integrated electric boat, ‘Seri Batang Ai’, by the Premier of Sarawak, The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg.

The naming ceremony took place at Pangkalan Sapi, Kuching, in conjunction with Sarawak Regatta 2026.

Fabricated by local company Global Fibreglass Industries, the 10-metre vessel features an electric propulsion system architecture and component layout designed by Sarawak Energy’s in house Research and Development (R&D) team. It is purpose-built to support operations at the Batang Ai Hydroelectric Plant (HEP), including dam safety inspections, environmental monitoring and personnel transportation across the reservoir.

Seri Batang Ai is powered by twin 40 kW electric outboard motors, delivering a combined output of 80 kW, and a 92 kWh battery energy storage system. Its 3.6 kWp rooftop solar panels supplement the battery supply, with grid charging also available. Seri Batang Ai has an estimated operating range of 40 to 50 kilometres, with an operating duration of approximately three to four hours, a maximum speed of 25 km/h and can accommodate up to 12 registered passengers.

Compared with conventional fossil fuel-powered boats, its electric propulsion produces no direct exhaust emissions and reduces noise and vibration, helping to minimise disturbance to the surrounding environment and biodiversity. It will also support transportation for employees and visitors, including technical visits to the nearby Batang Ai floating solar farm.

Sarawak Energy Group Chief Executive Officer Dato Ruslan Abdul Ghani said Seri Batang Ai builds on the organisation's earlier e-Penambang initiative, progressing from the retrofitting of a conventional boat to the development of a purpose-built electric workboat.

“Seri Batang Ai provides a platform for us to further develop our research and development capabilities, strengthen local engineering expertise and explore wider applications of clean energy and marine technologies to enhance operational efficiency and advance sustainable mobility solutions,” he added.

The e-boat was first showcased during the 40th anniversary celebration of the Batang Ai HEP in 2025, where the Premier also had the opportunity to inspect the vessel. Ahead of today's naming ceremony, Sarawak Energy received the Boat Licence and River Transport Permit (RTP) for Seri Batang Ai on 21 October.

The official naming marks another milestone in Sarawak Energy's efforts to explore practical applications of clean energy technologies beyond conventional electricity generation.

Through initiatives such as Seri Batang Ai, Sarawak Energy continues to draw on its renewable energy expertise and R&D capabilities to explore practical applications of clean energy technologies across its operations. These efforts also contribute to developing local engineering knowledge and supporting more efficient and environmentally responsible operational solutions.