By Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, June 9: South Korea chose Sarawak over other hydrogen exporting countries for its dedication to developing a hydrogen economy.
Korea Energy Economics Institute (KEEI) Director of Research Planning and Coordination Dr Lee Ho-Mu, said after South Korea announced its hydrogen economy roadmap in 2019, they have been approached by many promising hydrogen exporting countries such as Argentina, Chile, Saudi Arabia, Australia, and many others.
Dr Lee explained that Sarawak has a “very bright future” in South Korea’s hydrogen economy plans because its is one of the closest exporters to Korea and has a very stable business environment.
“We have a very good chemistry because South Korea has world class clean energy technology and Sarawak has an abundance of clean energy resources.
“I will go back to South Korea and spread this good news that Sarawak is hydrogen ready,” said Dr Lee during the Sarawak-Korea Energy Business Forum 2022 held at a local hotel here today.
Dr Lee also pointed out that South Korea and Sarawak has very strong and long lasting ties in terms of the energy sector.
He said Sarawak is also one of the biggest partner in South Korea’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry as the latter has been importing 40 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the State.
He also said that on the other hand, in rural areas in Sarawak located close to the Indonesian border, a Korean company, Nuri Flex Co Ltd, is working to help the people in rural areas obtain a sustainable supply of electricity.
“Today, I am very hopeful that our ties will grow even stronger because I see the passion and clear vision of the government of Sarawak about leading this Asean region in terms of green economy and carbon neutrality,” he added.
He added that by 2050, South Korea will produce only 5 million tonnes of hydrogen domestically, with the remainder imported from abroad.
“We need 27.9 million tonnes of hydrogen for power generation, and I am sure that Sarawak will play a great part in our journey towards carbon neutrality,” he said. — DayakDaily
