By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 11: Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen claimed that the Sarawak Hydrogen Hub in Bintulu would require approximately 1.2 gigawatts (GW) of electricity, which is equivalent to the total power generated for the entire Baram area, to produce the targeted 200,000 tonnes of hydrogen annually.
Raising this concern, Chong urged the Sarawak government to approach the Sarawak Hydrogen Development Plan with caution, emphasising that while the plan aligns with global trends, it is essential to consider potential downsides.
“Don’t just look at the bright sides and hear the beautiful stories. Yes, it’s good for Malaysia to catch on to this trend, but given the risks associated with hydrogen and its high production costs, the government should have certain reservations in its implementation,” he said during the debate on the Distribution of Gas (Amendment) Bill, 2024, at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today.
While acknowledging Sarawak’s abundant resources, particularly water necessary for hydrogen production, Chong questioned whether such substantial investments and electricity usage are justifiable.
“What price will this hydrogen be sold for in markets like Japan and South Korea? Will that cover the costs of construction and development? How many Sarawakians will benefit in terms of job opportunities and economic returns from these significant investments?” he asked.
Chong, who is the Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman, stressed the need for stringent regulations governing the hydrogen industry due to the risks involved in its generation, transport, storage, and distribution.
“I will support this bill, but in all policies and laws passed here, the welfare of Sarawakians must come first and safeguarded,” he said.
Meanwhile, Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong echoed similar concerns, pointing out that the amendment bill lacks a comprehensive regulatory framework to ensure safety across the hydrogen supply chain.
“Hydrogen is notoriously challenging to store safely. Is Sarawak prepared to implement the high-pressure storage systems needed for this gas, which must be stored at extreme pressures or as a cryogenic liquid at -253°C?” she asked.
Yong also emphasised the financial burden associated with building hydrogen-specific pipelines.
“Are we ready to invest in the infrastructure needed to transport hydrogen safely from production sites, given that hydrogen’s tendency to leak through pipelines poses a high risk of explosions if undetected?” she said.
Yong stressed the need for regulations addressing long-term storage and technical challenges, adding, “Hydrogen’s volatility poses substantial risks without strict safety standards. We need a robust safety framework covering enforcement, monitoring, and emergency response”. — DayakDaily
