By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Sept 3: Sarawak is targeting to export solid hydrogen to Singapore within the next two months, marking a historic milestone in its clean energy ambitions.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that this is the result of the agreement between Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) Energy and a Singapore-based firm to export green hydrogen in the form of magnesium hydride.
“Once received, Singapore will liquefy the hydrogen for use. I was made to understand that the export is expected within two months.
“What is important here is not just the volume, but that Sarawak can produce hydrogen in different forms and in this case, in solid form,” he told reporters after officiating the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Forum (SAREF 4.0) held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
During the Plenary Opening session entitled Partnerships for Our Goals, the Premier noted that the global hydrogen industry is rapidly evolving, particularly in logistics and transportation technologies.
“Now, there is technology where you can compress hydrogen in a tube for export. Shipping companies are also building ships that can carry hydrogen,” he said.
Acknowledging that the current electrolysis process to produce hydrogen is costly and energy-intensive, Abang Johari expressed confidence that advancements in technology and artificial intelligence (AI) will bring costs down in the near future.
“Initially, the cost is high because electrolysis consumes a lot of hydropower, but we have hydropower resources. Over time, just like computers, the cost of producing hydrogen will be cheaper. Today, Japan and China have already reduced production costs by 80 per cent. This shows hydrogen could truly become the cleanest energy of the future,” he added.
SEDC Energy is collaborating with its technology partner, Hydrexia Holding Limited, to deploy metal hydride hydrogen storage technology (MHX), which stores hydrogen molecules via magnesium hydride (MgH₂). The method offers intrinsic safety, higher storage density, and versatility for road, rail, and sea transport, effectively addressing global transportation bottlenecks.
Currently, SEDC Energy is producing green hydrogen molecules through a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyser powered by grid electricity and water at its Darul Hana H₂ plant. The facility is capable of producing 150 kilogrammes of green hydrogen daily.
The first MHX unit bound for Singapore will mark the first export of Sarawak-produced green hydrogen molecules, laying the foundation for a regional hydrogen ecosystem while positioning the state as a key player in the global energy transition.
Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Deputy Minister of Utility (Sarawak Energy and PETROS) Datuk Ibrahim Baki, and Sarawak Energy Group chief executive officer DatukSharbini Suhaili were among the distinguished guests present. — DayakDaily
