• Focus
Advancing national and regional energy transition
16
• Focus
@ green | July-August . 2024
Comprehensive gas utilisation
Petros to expedite Sarawak ’ s growth in the petrochemical industry and foster a low-carbon economy
PETROLEUM Sarawak Berhad ( Petros ) has strategically partnered with Sarawak Petchem Sdn Bhd ( Sarawak Petchem ) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU ) for the supply of natural gas to Sarawak Petchem ’ s Low-Carbon Ammonia and Urea Plant in Bintulu , Sarawak .
This partnership is a significant step towards the growth and development of the petrochemical industry in Sarawak .
As the exclusive gas aggregator for Sarawak , Petros is committed to promoting comprehensive gas utilisation . This aligns with Sarawak ’ s goal to expedite its growth in the petrochemical industry and foster a low-carbon economy .
According to the MoU , Petros is set to supply 160 MMscfd of natural gas to the low-carbon ammonia and urea plant in Bintulu . This supply will commence upon the plant ’ s targeted completion and commissioning by 2030 .
Currently , the plant is undergoing a feasibility study and is expected to meet the rising
MoU exchange between Janin ( front , 2nd left ) and Mohammad , witnessed by Abang Zohari ( center ).
demands for low-carbon energy solutions and fertilisers when it comes onstream .
Exchanging on behalf of Petros Group Chief Executive Officer ( GCEO ) Dato Janin Girie , while Sarawak Petchem was represented by its Managing Director and CEO Dato Mohammad Ibrahim . Both parties exchanged the document at the launch of the Sarawak Methanol Complex in Bintulu during Sarawak Day .
The exchange was witnessed by the Premier of Sarawak Tan Sri ( Dr ) Abang Zohari Openg ,
Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy Abang Arabi Narudin , SEDC Chairman Tan Sri ( Dr ) Abdul Aziz Husain , senior management team from both organisations and industry stakeholders .
Commenting on the collaboration , Janin said : “ This signing shows our initiatives as the Gas Aggregator for Sarawak to enable the development of high-value and strategic downstream industries leveraging on low-carbon energy solutions . It is in line with the State ’ s green energy agenda to reduce carbon emission intensity for a sustainable
energy future .
“ Through this partnership with Sarawak Petchem , we also aspire to promote more high-value downstream activities and increase domestic gas usage to boost Sarawak ’ s economic growth .”
Meanwhile , Mohammad Ibrahim added : “ The exchange of documents in relation to the natural gas supply is essential for supporting Sarawak Petchem ’ s portfolio diversification strategy and its future expansion into the low-carbon ammonia and urea markets . At the same time , it also ensures a reliable supply of natural gas to the Sarawak Methanol Complex .”
The MoU is a testament to Sarawak ’ s shared vision of excellence and innovation . It underscores our commitment to upholding the highest standards of environmental stewardship and sustainability , aligning our values with the goals of the partnership .
This partnership will support the progression of the State ’ s energy transition by reducing its carbon footprint while heading towards net zero by 2050 . – @ green
Advancing national and regional energy transition
SARAWAK ENERGY , a key player in advancing hydropower and renewable energy in Malaysia , recently participated in a significant discussion . The event , held at the Malaysia High Commission in London on Jun 26 , brought together Malaysia ’ s Deputy Prime Minister , Dato Seri Fadillah Yusof , the International Hydropower Association ( IHA ), and the Global Renewables Alliance ( GRA )
The primary focus of the discussion was to advance Malaysia ’ s sustainable energy goals . The aim was to explore the potential of hydropower in accelerating the nation ’ s transition to a sustainable energy future and meeting the net zero target by 2050 .
Representing Sarawak Energy was Group CEO Datuk Sharbini Suhaili , who also serves as a Board Member of IHA for Asia ( East and Pacific ). IHA and GRA were represented by their CEOs , Eddie Rich and Bruce Douglas , respectively .
Fadillah , who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and
Water Transformation ( PETRA ), discussed Malaysia ’ s efforts to address resource security and environmental impact concerns by pursuing renewable energy alternatives , including solar and hydro , to diversify the energy mix and promote sustainable electricity generation .
“ In 2021 , the Malaysia Renewable Energy Roadmap outlined a strategic framework to achieve the ambitious targets for diversifying the nation ’ s energy mix , and the potential of hydroelectric power stands out significantly ,” said
Fadillah ( 2nd left ) stated that by partnering with the IHA , Malaysia could leverage international experience and technical assistance to optimise its hydropower infrastructure .
Fadillah .
He also highlighted the future of hydropower , including mini and micro-hydro projects , which offer sustainable energy solutions for rural electrification while minimising environmental impact . Smaller hydro projects require modest infrastructure and integrate well into existing water management systems .
The Deputy Prime Minister expressed interest in his ministry to collaborate with Sarawak Energy , IHA , and GRA on policy , advocacy , and renewable energy capacity building . The discussions also covered pumped storage , cascading power sources , and integrating hydropower into ASEAN energy programmes .
During the discussion , Sharbini reiterated Sarawak Energy ’ s unwavering commitment to accelerate hydropower development towards net zero , providing reassurance to the audience about the progress of hydropower development .
“ Renewable hydropower can power sustainable socio-economic growth in Sarawak and serve as one of the key enablers for regional growth ,” he said during the discussion .
Sharbini noted that while Southeast Asia ’ s installed hydropower capacity is expected to continue growing to meet electricity demand , many policymakers in the region have not included hydropower in net zero strategies yet – as reflected in IHA ’ s published 2024 World Hydropower Outlook . – @ green