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By Karen Bong
KUCHING, July 22: Sarawak will increase its cumulative renewable energy installations to 8.4 gigawatts (GW) by 2030, building upon its current capacity of 5.4GW, in order to meet growing and future demands, particularlt from emerging industries in the new and hydrogen economy.
Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Dr Hazland Abang Hipni emphasised that Sarawak’s abundant green energy resources have definitely attracted many investors, including in the hydrogen sector, as anything produced will be classified as green or environmentally friendly.
However, Sarawak needs to exercise minor control on incoming investments as it needs to upgrade or upscale power infrastructure so as to ensure a reliable and sufficient power supply to meet local needs and accommodate new demands.
“A lot of companies are interested to invest and set up their hydrogen plants in Sarawak due to the State’s ample renewable energy sources.
“Bakun Hydro Dam is a game changer for Sarawak as anything produced in Sarawak will be classified as green because our source of power is from hydro and other upcoming additions including floating solar, offshore wind energy and hydrogen,” he told a press conference after launching the Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen (APGH) Conference and Exhibition 2024 at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur today.
Dr Hazland was representing Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Moreover, Sarawak also plans to further increase its energy capacity beyond 2030.
With its ample renewable energy resources, which has become the key attraction for investments from South Korea and Japan to establish mega hydrogen plants at Tanjong Kidurong in Bintulu, Dr Hazland is optimistic that Sarawak is set to become the biggest hydrogen producer in this region by 2027.
He highlighted the global excitement surrounding hydrogen as the future of green energy, emphasising that any country with water and power can produce hydrogen.
“Sarawak’s strength lies in its ability to generate ample green energy compared to other states in Malaysia, including hydroelectric power, floating solar, and potentially solar-wind hybrid systems offshore in the near future,” he said.
Dr Hazland further mentioned that Sarawak aims to produce of 100,000 tonnes of hydrogen from each plant by 2027.
This development, he said, will also boost downstream activities, as South Korea plans to convert hydrogen into ammonia and Japan plans to transport it back to their countries using MCX.
“Moreover, it will also create employment opportunities as one plant on a 100-acre site will require some 1,000 workers,” he added.
In terms of global hydrogen production and usage, China is currently the largest producer and user, followed by Japan, South Korea, and several European countries. — DayakDaily
