By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 11: It is essential to establish an officially designated entity responsible for overseeing the comprehensive regulation of hydrogen supply and demand dynamics in Sarawak, says Daro assemblyman Safiee Ahmad.
Speaking during a debate session on the Distribution of Gas (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today, he stressed that the proposed regulator should be entrusted with the function of issuing licences for key hydrogen-related activities.
Among them are hydrogen generation which encompasses hydrogen production from a variety of feedstocks, ensuring compliance with environmental and safety standards while encouraging innovation in production strategies; and infrastructure development–granting permits for the construction, operation and maintenance of hydrogen production facilities, supporting the development of a robust and resilient hydrogen infrastructure across Sarawak.
He also said the regulator should oversee licences for storage, distribution and transport, as well as the commercialisation and utilisation of hydrogen.
“Beyond its regulatory responsibilities, the regulator also will take an active role in promoting economic development. This entity will work to advance the growth of Sarawak’s hydrogen industry by encouraging innovation, attracting investment, and enhancing hydrogen’s export potential.
“Through strategic oversight and focused promotion, the Regulator will help build a robust, sustainable hydrogen sector that creates jobs, bolsters local economies, and positions Sarawak as a key competitor in the global energy transition,” Safiee said.
Meanwhile, Lingga assemblywoman Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor, in referring to DayakDaily’s report that Sarawak’s Hydrogen Economy Roadmap has secured USD4.2 billion in strategic partnerships, stated that it is timely for the Sarawak government to have a specific ordinance on hydrogen.
While the road from project planning via approval processes to execution is fraught with complexities, she noted that the bill amendment is a promising step forward to address these on-the-ground challenges.
“By supporting this amendment bill, it would give Sarawak Hydrogen Economy Roadmap priority in legal considerations and approval procedures by classifying them as developments of paramount public interest and with security relevance.
“Time will tell if the measures are sufficient, some details need to be discussed and there may be adjustments during the legislative process, but this bill is an important step forward,” she elaborated. — DayakDaily
