KUCHING, Sept 7: Sarawak is positioning herself well to be a commercial hydrogen producer by 2027, thus realising the vision of turning the State into a hydrogen economy.
To achieve the vision, Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised that Sarawak is taking necessary measures and rolling out various initiatives to develop Sarawak’s hydrogen economy based on renewable energy.
He mentioned this in his speech during the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Sarawak Energy represented by chief executive officer (CEO) Datu Sharbini Suhaili, SEDC Energy by CEO Robert Hardin, Samsung Engineering by executive vice president Chong Ju-Seong, Lotte Chemical by CEO Hwang Jin-Gu, as well as Posco Holdings by senior executive vice president Yoo Byeong-Og in South Korea today.
According to a media release, the MoU aims to study the supply of renewable hydropower for Sarawak H2biscus Green Hydrogen/Ammonia Project, or H2biscus Project, in Sarawak.
Abang Johari thanked the Korean government for providing funds for the multi-billion dollar project.
“I am very proud and delighted to witness the signing of the MoU between Sarawak Energy, SEDC Energy, Samsung Engineering, Lotte Chemical, as well as Posco Holdings,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to Samsung Engineering, Posco Holdings and Lotte Chemical, which he described as the “giants” from South Korea, for their investment in Sarawak as this project would not only create economic growth for both countries but become a flagship project for the whole region.
“I am also looking forward to seeing this collaboration develop further, with the anticipation of witnessing the production of Sarawak’s first large-scale green hydrogen ready for export, God willing by 2027,” he said.
He was also proud that two of Sarawak’s largest companies – Sarawak Energy and SEDC (through SEDC Energy) are playing an integral part to develop Sarawak’s hydrogen economy.
“At this current moment, Sarawak Energy is already producing green hydrogen at their integrated hydrogen refueling facility in Kuching, which I believe is the first in South East Asia.
“SEDC Energy, on the other hand, will also start producing green hydrogen at the Petros multifuel station by the end of this year as well as the Rembus Hydrogen Production facility for our Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) by 2024,” he shared.
Among those present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Republic of Korea Datuk Lim Juay Jin, Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Dr Hazland Abang Hipni and Deputy Minister for International Trade, Industry, and Investment Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh.
Also present was Korea’s Second Vice Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Park Il-Jun.
Earlier in the day, the Premier’s delegation was taken on a tour of the Samsung Biologics facility and later the Lotte World Tower. — DayakDaily
