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By Nur Ashikin Louis and Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 13: Two mega hydrogen plants, H2ornbill and H2biscus, are expected to be operational in 2027 which will position Bintulu as a key player in the emerging green hydrogen economy and enhance Sarawak’s transition towards sustainable energy.
Both projects are developed by SEDC Energy in collaboration with a multinational consortium, including Sumitomo, ENEOS, Samsung Engineering, Lotte Chemicals, Posco, and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (via Gentari) to establish the Bintulu Green Hydrogen Hub.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised that this ambitious project will be the cornerstone of Sarawak’s green hydrogen economy and a benchmark world-scale project.
“To date, both projects have completed their feasibility studies and are expected to continue to the front end-engineering design (FEED) stage within the next few months, subject to finalising the details in feasibility studies prior to entering comprehensive FEED stage,” he said when delivering his keynote address at the International Energy Week (IEW) Expo and Summit at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.
With the project anticipated to make a significant impact on the global energy landscape, Abang Johari disclosed that the final investment decision for the H2ornbill Train is scheduled for the second quarter of 2025, while the H2biscus Train is expected to receive approval in the first quarter of 2024.
“Both facilities are expected to be operationalized in 2027,” he said.
At a press conference, he added that by 2027, Sarawak will be exporting hydrogen to South Korea while part of the hydrogen produced will be utilised domestically, especially for the public transportation system.
The Bintulu Green Hydrogen Hub, Abang Johari pointed out, holds immense potential beyond the production of green hydrogen as it will serve as a catalyst for the establishment of new hydrogen-based industries, including the manufacturing of electrolyzers, fuel cells, and the burgeoning green chemicals industry.
Additionally, SEDC Energy is also developing the domestic Rembus Hydrogen Production Plant and Refuelling Station to support the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project. The Rembus Hydrogen Plant is expected to be completed in 2025.
The 5th edition of the IEW Expo and Summit opens today until June 15 after an absence of four years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Hosted by the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Sarawak, IEW 2023 is the biggest ever energy event in Borneo with an expected attendance of 5,000 trade professionals from 25 countries.
Themed “Transitioning Towards A Net-Zero Carbon Future”, the event highlights Sarawak’s initiatives in taking the lead in harnessing its huge sustainable energy resources to power its economy and position itself as a major clean energy hub.
High-level delegations from Brunei, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia and Singapore are at the event to explore new investments and partnership opportunities.
Among those present were Deputy Sarawak Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Federal Deputy Minister of Economy Dato Hanifah Hajar Taib, Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Dr Hazland Abang Hipni and Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Malaysia Yeo Seung-bae. — DayakDaily
