KUCHING, 6 June: Construction of Sarawak’s first hydrogen plant will commence this year and is expected to be completed in two to three years, says Energy and Environmental Sustainability Deputy Minister Dr Hazland Abang Hipni.
According to the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), the hydrogen plant is being established with the cooperation of Samsung from South Korea and Sumitomo Corporation from Japan.
“When completed, it will be used to produce hydrogen energy in addition for State use and it will also be exported to European countries such as Germany and France,” Dr Hazland said.
He said this while speaking at the World Environment Day Celebration jointly organised by ZHA Environmental Sdn Bhd (ZHA) and Sar-Alam Indah Sdn Bhd (SAI) at Mydin Tunku Vista Petra Jaya here on Saturday (June 4).
Earlier, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak will be the largest producer of hydrogen fuel in the Southeast Asian region starting in 2023.
Dr Hazland also said say that the hydrogen plant, apart from producing hydrogen energy for export, will also be a new source of revenue for the State’s economy through Sarawak’s sales tax (SST) collection on petroleum products.
As a result, he said, Sarawak is on the right track with the later establishment of the hydrogen plant.
He added that Sarawak is lucky because it is endowed with a variety of natural resources, which should be used to the best advantage of the State.
Therefore, he said, this effort not only can reduce dependence on oil and gas from foreign countries, but also reap revenue for Sarawak via hydrogen exports.
At the ceremony, Dr Hazland also launched the Sarawak Environmental Awareness programme by ZHA and SAI on Facebook.
The programme was developed to serve as a platform for the dissemination of information about ongoing environmental initiatives and activities in Sarawak. — DayakDaily
