Unlike some countries, Sarawak has feedstock advantage to succeed in hydrogen production: Premier Abang Johari

A hydrogen bus on the Downtown Heritage Loop near Kuching Waterfront.
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By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, March 14: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has attributed the failure of some countries in hydrogen production to the lack of feedstock, a challenge that Sarawak does not face due to its abundant natural resources.

Addressing concerns over the high cost of hydrogen production and citing examples of countries that have failed, Abang Johari emphasised Sarawak’s unique advantage.

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“Some countries have failed in hydrogen production because they lack the feedstock. They don’t have hydrogen and must import it, which raises the cost.

“But Sarawak is blessed with feedstock. We can produce hydrogen from water through hydropower, and even generate another form of hydrogen through synthetic gas.

“Furthermore, when you mix hydrogen with carbon, you get methane,” he said during a function held at a local hotel here today. A recording of his speech was shared with DayakDaily after the function.

Abang Johari highlighted that Sarawak’s energy strategy is designed to leverage this advantage and will extend beyond 2035 up to the year 2050, benefiting future generations.

“Alhamdulillah, we have our policy towards 2030, and now we are looking beyond 2035.

“Whether I will still be around then, I do not know as I am already old. But I am planning up to the year 2050 for the future generation,” he added.

He further disclosed that there are seven byproducts generated along the chain between carbon and hydrogen towards methane production.

However, he stopped short of revealing the details, promising to unveil the full plan in due time.

“I spoke to a chemistry expert last night who mentioned two products. But I told him there are actually seven byproducts in the process.

“Therefore, we must have a skilled workforce and scientists who can add value to the production chain when hydrogen and carbon molecules are mixed to produce methane. With that methane, we can generate energy,” he stated. – DayakDaily

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