By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Feb 25: Sarawak is advancing by exploring “Power-to-X” projects, leveraging its abundant renewable energy resources to produce cost-competitive clean hydrogen and other sustainable energy and chemical products such as synthetic methane or liquid fuels.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised that Sarawak’s vast hydro and solar power, natural gas reserves, and carbon capture and storage (CCS) capabilities will drive large-scale hydrogen production in bid to position Sarawak as a regional clean hydrogen hub.
“By combining hydrogen with carbon dioxide, we can produce a range of synthetic fuels and chemicals, including green methanol, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), green ammonia, and polyesters.
“These polyesters can be further processed into green fibers, bottles, or films, contributing to a more sustainable future,” he said in his keynote speech at EIC Connect Energy Borneo 2025, held at Hikmah Exchange Convention Centre today.
Abang Johari highlighted Sarawak’s progress in this space, particularly through the launch of the State’s first green methanol project under Sarawak Petchem, a milestone that cements Sarawak’s leadership in innovative energy solutions and the global shift towards clean energy.
“Our journey has begun with the Sarawak Hydrogen Hub in Bintulu, which will house major projects like H2ornbill and H2biscus, developed in collaboration with international partners from Japan and South Korea,” he shared.
To drive local adoption of clean hydrogen, he added that by next year, Kuching’s public transportation system will be fully powered by hydrogen through the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS), featuring hydrogen buses and autonomous rail transit (ART).
“Sarawak is poised to play a pivotal role in Malaysia’s clean hydrogen industry, reinforcing our commitment to a greener future,” he affirmed.
The event also witnessed the exchange of seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth over RM200 million, underscoring strong strategic collaborations and growing investment in Sarawak’s energy sector.
EIC Connect Energy Borneo 2025 convened over 1,200 industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders from the global energy sector in Kuching, Sarawak.
This prestigious event featured more than 80 esteemed speakers across over 25 insightful sessions, exploring key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the energy landscape.
Deputy Minister (Energy) in the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei Darussalam Dato Seri Paduka Awang Mohamad Azmi Mohd Hanifah, Deputy Minister of Energy and Environment Sustainability Sarawak Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, and Energy Industries Council United Kingdom chief executive Stuart Broadley were among the distinguished guests present. — DayakDaily
