Brunei’s Ministry of Energy (ME) has announced plans for sustainable and holistic development of the energy sector in FY2021-2022. The ministry’s strategic objectives will focus on developing the energy sector as a whole, with special emphasis on the upstream and downstream sectors of oil and gas, electric power, renewable energy and green technologies. The plans are in line with other national strategic plans, including the national policy on climate change, Brunei Darussalam Economic Blueprint, and the Digital Economy Masterplan.
ME plans to strengthen the production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to meet regional demands. ME will also focus on raising the standards and maintenance of electrical power infrastructure. A new power transmission system line electricity project to connect Brunei-Muara and Temburong District and ensure high quality of electricity services is planned to be implemented.
Three new sites, including Tutong’s Bukit Panggal, Temburong’s Belingus and Kampung Belimbing in Mukim Kota Batu, have been identified to develop solar farms. The Kg Belimbing solar farm is expected to generate 30 MW of solar energy with construction of the solar power plant slated to begin in 2022. The Bukit Panggal and Belingus solar farms will produce 15 MW of solar energy. Plans have also been announced to expand Brunei’s solar energy project in Seria from 1.2 MW to 4.2 MW. Alternative energy sources, including wind and hydrogen energy, will be considered for future implementation.
The ministry has been provisioned BND199.3 million recurring expenses allocation for the financial year of 2021-2022. Recurring expenses of BND168.7 million are planned to be used for planning, under the FY 2021-22 initiatives of the Strategic Planning Unit of the ME.