January-February , 2021 | @ green
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Hydrogen Refuelling Station .
Many countries would like to tap onto the green hydrogen economy . But due to inaccessibility to renewable power sources like our hydropower dams , the cost for them to embark on this will be even more expensive .”
– Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari Openg
Hydrogen Association , the first of its kind in Malaysia and possibly in the region . The association comprises members from the industry such as Sarawak Energy Berhad , Petroliam Nasional Berhad ( Petronas ) and Shell . Also , it includes higher learning institutes such as Universiti Malaysia Sarawak ( UNIMAS ) and Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak .
This association ’ s main objective is to drive the Sarawak Hydrogen Agenda with collaborative effort between the government , private and academic sectors .
“ Just one day after we set up our hydrogen association , Japan had also announced ita Japan Hydrogen Association ( JH2A ) to drive the development of a hydrogen society in Japan by promoting public and private alliances and regulatory frameworks ,” he said .
The Chief Minister subsequently said a Memorandum of Understanding ( MOU ) between SEDC Energy , Sumitomo Corporation , and ENEOS Corporation was signed to carry out a techno-commercial study to develop a hydrogen plant the Petrochemical Park in Bintulu on Oct 23 , 2020 .
“ We are excited to embark on this journey towards developing a hydrogen plant to export zero-carbon or green hydrogen to Japan and other countries .
“ I am also proud that ENEOS Corporation , one of our partners in the development of hydrogen in Sarawak , is a member of the JH2A . Another MOU was signed between
Sarawak Energy Berhad and Petronas on Nov 10 , 2020 to explore Green Hydrogen Commercial Exploration .
With Sarawak ’ s abundant indigenous natural resources , with hydropower being the powerhouse , which can be harnessed to produce renewable energy , the State embarked into sustainable energy development in the 1960s .
The Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy was created following Sarawak ’ s successful establishment of its hydropower plants in Batang Ai , Murum and Bakun .
To develop the State ’ s green energy agenda , Sarawak continued to explore and conducted research on potential alternative renewables .
Following that , the State began venturing into the green hydrogen economy . Through SEDC Energy Sdn Bhd , Sarawak started investing in pilot projects of hydrogen such as fuel cell buses and cars and refuelling station in 2019 .
And in 2020 , Sarawak launched the first hydrogen fuel cell buses , vehicles , and integrated hydrogen production , storage , and refuelling station in Southeast Asia .
SEDC Energy also began studying the feasibility of large-scale hydrogen production to meet domestic and export markets .
With prospective partner and investor , they plan a 1,000 tonnes per year facility in Bintulu which would be ready in 2023 to meet potential buyers ’ needs . — @ green income from foreign markets outside Sarawak by 2030 through power export , which can further expand our energy market and strengthen the power system through interconnection with neighbouring countries and State . The power export market will allow the State to further develop our untapped RE resources , boost the economic growth and create more job opportunities .
For the RE sector ’ s hydrogen agenda , the initiative undertaken is to stimulate the Sarawak Hydrogen Economic by attracting investments for large scale hydrogen production in Sarawak to meet regional green hydrogen demand through export and encourage private sector participation in hydrogen value chain development locally in Sarawak .
What are the RE targets by 2030 for each of the resources , and how will these targets be operationalised ? The three renewable energy sources targets set by 2030 consist of solar ( 300MW ), Biomass Waste to energy ( 150MW ), and Mini hydro ( 25MW ). The State will have comprehensive public policy support to ensure the support of these project development , and public awareness of RE merits , increasing RE energy sources ’ uptake .
Visibility in RE planning is crucial to help spawn a growing RE industry . How does Sarawak intend to provide fair business opportunities for the industry ? The RE targets set for 2030 will be achieved through a competitive open tender bidding process . This will promote renewable energy investment for the RE industry and is a quick way to boost the Sarawak economy , increasing job opportunities .
As a result of the Economic Strategy Plan 2030 , what are the estimated socio-economic benefits that this plan will bring to the State ? By 2030 , Sarawak will be a thriving society driven by data and innovation where everyone enjoys economic prosperity , social inclusivity and a sustainable environment . The post-Covid-19 Exit Economic Strategy Plan will reflect and improve on existing policies and strategies . Through the implementation , Sarawak ’ s economic growth will be equitably and sustainably cascaded into wealth and prosperity to all Sarawakians as the State moves to achieve a high income and developed State status by 2030 .
To achieve a high income and developed State status by 2030 , the Sarawak economy is targeted to grow at an average of eight per cent per annum . However , the focus is on growing our economy and ensuring the growth is translated into every Sarawakian .
With an improvement in physical and digital infrastructure , Sarawak ’ s connectivity will benefit the locals and enable our local businesses to connect to the world . More business opportunities and jobs will be created .
The average household income is also anticipated to increase by 2.7 times , and I believe the income gap will also be reduced . Investment in technology and innovation will also help ensure all our economic activities are sustainable and continue to be enjoyed by our future generations .
Specifically , the RE sector including the hydrogen economy is poised to create 10,000 new jobs , have a RM5.5 billion GDP impact and the potential for 12.53 million tonnes of carbon dioxide avoidance per annum by the year 2030 .