By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 6: Sarawak has expressed its intention to explore the production of portable hydrogen to replace diesel fuel as a means of generating electricity in rural areas.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg highlighted this potential as Sarawak achieved another milestone in its green energy agenda by not only producing hydrogen but also producing electrolysers on its own.
“We could produce portable hydrogen to generate electricity in Sarawak’s rural areas, which is cleaner and helps mitigate pollution.
“This can become an alternative source of energy incorporated in SARES (Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme),” he told a press conference after inaugurating the Sarawak Electrolyser Assembly and Distribution Facility (SEA-DF) at Demak Laut Industrial Park here today.
Abang Johari noted that currently, SARES deployed stand alone off-grid alternatives solar or micro-hydro system to electrify especially the most remote areas in Sarawak.
With advancing technology, he emphasised that Sarawak can explore hydrogen as an alternative energy source, provided that the cost is within the budget and can provide sustainable power supply.
“There are a lot of new equipments available and technology advancements for hydrogen production,” he added.
Meanwhile, the SEA-DF, the first of its kind in the Asean region, would produce electrolysers to facilitate the conversion of water molecules into hydrogen, thus boosting hydrogen production in Sarawak.
The facility is a collaboration between Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) Energy and PETRONAS’ subsidiary Lestari H2GaaS. — DayakDaily
