By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, May 26: Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) is collaborating with Airbus and Rolls Royce through the Aerospace Malaysia Innovation Centre (AMIC) to undertake research and development on green hydrogen and fuel cells as future aviation fuel in Demak, Kuching.
This was announcement by Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg while delivering his winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) today.
He said as a step forward, Sarawak is exploring the production of alternative aviation fuels such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
“SAF could be the key to sustainable air travel in the transition for low carbon fuel in the industry,” said Abang Johari.
Apart from the research into sustainable aviation fuel, he disclosed that Sarawak Energy Berhad and Sarawak Biodiversity Centre are undertaking proof of concept (POC) on the utilisation of algae as biofuels to complement Sarawak’s quest in to further hydrogen economy.
Abang Johari who is the Gedong assemblyman (GPS-PBB) said hydrogen is an essential component of a net zero energy system for deep decarbonisation that is required to meet the current climate targets and limit the temperature increase below 2 °C.
He said the global hydrogen market is picking up speed as recently, the Hydrogen Council estimated that approximately 520 projects are gaining momentum around the world. Clean hydrogen production capacity has increased more than doubled since January 2021.
“Globally, USD160 billion of direct private investments have been created until 2030, and more than USD400 billion additional private investment have been made to realise government targets and commitments.
“We must now actively shape Sarawak’s hydrogen market throughout the entire value chain, if not we will be left behind. Sarawak shall create an ideal ecosystem for hydrogen economy to be pioneer in Asia Pacific to explore, innovate and produce green hydrogen,” said Abang Johari.
“Therefore, we must spur investments in integrated hydrogen facilities and infrastructure. I believe this may bring down hydrogen production costs and will stimulate demand for hydrogen.
He reported to the august House that SEDC has partnered with Samsung Engineering, POSCO and Lotte Chemical from South Korea to develop an environmentally friendly hydrogen and green ammonia plant in Bintulu.
“Once completed, the plant will produce 630,000 metric tonnes of green ammonia, 600,000 metric tonnes of blue ammonia, 220,000 metric tonnes of green hydrogen, of which 7,000 metric tonnes will be for domestic use and the rest will be exported to South Korea. This new development will further diversify Sarawak’s exports, besides the traditional oil and gas exports,” said Abang Johari. — DayakDaily
