@ green | May-June . 2024

BY SHEILA ROZARIO

In his keynote address at the inaugural Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen Conference & Exhibition 2024 , Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg detailed the region ’ s journey and plans for establishing a hydrogen economy .

THE PATH TO CLEAN ENERGY

“ Sarawak holds a unique significance , particularly for those in the clean energy sectors advocating for the simple yet powerful chemical molecule , hydrogen ,” said Johari .

The region ’ s vast natural resources , including oil , gas , timber , and coal , have historically fueled its economy . However , Sarawak ’ s commitment to clean energy is evident in its strategic transitions .

In the 1980s , Sarawak embraced a “ Resource-Based Economy ,” leveraging its natural resources to drive GDP growth . This evolved in the 2000s with the “ Renewable Energy ” initiative , focusing on hydropower through projects like the Bakun , Murum , and Baleh dams under the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy ( SCORE ).

By 2018 , Sarawak had entered the “ Digital Economy ” phase , integrating digital technologies across sectors , including energy .

The latest phase , the “ Green Economy and Sustainability ” policy , is part of the Post-Covid Development Strategy 2030 ( PCDS 2030 ), which aims to balance economic prosperity , social inclusivity , and environmental sustainability .

New legislation , such as the Forest ( Forest Carbon Activity ) Rules 2022 and the Environment ( Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Emission ) Ordinance 2023 , underscores Sarawak ’ s dedication to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 .

“ This includes measures such as mandating registered businesses in

Sarawak ’ s pioneering hydrogen innovation in the Asia Pacific

Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg ( centre ).

scheduled economic sectors to submit annual carbon emission reports , establishing emission thresholds , and imposing a carbon levy on entities that exceed these thresholds .”

THE FUEL OF THE FUTURE

Johari shared Sarawak ’ s journey into hydrogen energy , which began in 2017 with Sarawak Energy Berhad leading research into hydrogen applications . This initiative established Southeast Asia ’ s first integrated hydrogen production plant and refuelling station in Kuching in 2019 , developed in partnership with Linde . Johari noted that this pilot plant could produce 130kg of high-purity hydrogen daily and support and refuel five fuel cell vehicles .

Sarawak ’ s vision extends beyond pilot projects . In collaboration with international partners from Japan and Korea , the State is developing two hydrogen hubs at SEDC Petchem Industrial Park and the Rembus H2 plant . These hubs will cater to local needs and aim to export 240,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually to Japan and South Korea by 2028 .

In a significant step towards integrating hydrogen into urban transport , Sarawak is set to operationalise the region ’ s first hydrogen-powered Autonomous Rapid Transit ( ART ) system in Kuching by 2025 .

“ This milestone will position Kuching as the first city in Southeast Asia to integrate hydrogen into its urban transport infrastructure ,” stated Johari .

The ART system and hydrogen buses have already seen successful trial runs , transporting over 18,000 passengers since 2020 .

STRATEGIC COLLABORATIONS AND SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Robust partnerships underpin Sarawak ’ s hydrogen journey . Collaborations with entities like Sarawak Energy , Linde , SEDC Energy , Sumitomo Corporation , and others are crucial . These partnerships facilitate technology transfer , knowledge exchange , and the advancement of local capacity in hydrogen economy development .

“ On this note , it is with great pleasure that I announce the Sarawak government , through the Ministry of Energy

and Environmental Sustainability , has secured a prestigious study grant from the Ministry of Economy and Finance , South Korea .

“ This grant will support the development of the Sarawak Hydrogen Roadmap , a comprehensive blueprint for harnessing hydrogen ’ s potential in the State .”

Sarawak ’ s commitment to a sustainable future is also evident in its establishment of a Center of Excellence for Clean Energy . This centre aims to drive innovation in clean energy technologies , including hydrogen , hydroelectric power , solar energy , and biomass .

THE WAY FORWARD

“ Natural gas , playing a dominant role worldwide as a transition fuel , can be the feedstock for low-carbon hydrogen production . Through gasification technology , the potential of producing low-carbon hydrogen or blue hydrogen from natural gas offers lucrative new economic opportunities for Sarawak , as this technology can also generate solid carbon as a byproduct .

“ I am proud to share that SEDC Energy is already collaborating with CurveH2 to look into this new opportunity ,” added Johari .

The Sarawak Energy Transition Policy ( SET-P ) represents the State ’ s vision of a sustainable , clean , prosperous energy future . It integrates policy , regulation , technology , infrastructure , and community engagement to ensure a comprehensive approach to energy transition .

Sarawak is at the forefront of the hydrogen economy in Southeast Asia , with pioneering projects and multibillion dollar investments . The region ’ s commitment to green energy , supported by government policies and international collaborations , sets a powerful example for the global community . - @ green