Abg Jo: Sarawak’s hydrogen development roadmap to focus on affordable production, allow widespread adoption of green energy source

KUCHING (Nov 7): Sarawak is set to establish a roadmap for hydrogen gas development, aiming to position the region as a key player in the global clean energy market, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

The Premier said one of the main focuses of this roadmap will be on hydrogen supply.

He emphasised that hydrogen production must be affordable, allowing widespread adoption of this green energy source by consumers.

“The second aspect is demand. This means that fuel cell technology must advance, which will create demand, especially in public transportation where hydrogen can serve as the primary fuel,” he said in an exclusive interview with Ukas and TVS after participating as a panellist in a focus discussion at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) 2024 yesterday.

He said Sarawak’s involvement in the hydrogen industry would spur downstream activities, contributing to the region’s economic growth.

While speaking as a panellist on ‘The Role of Asia in Shaping the Hydrogen Market’, Abang Johari stated the need for research leveraging the latest technology to reduce hydrogen production costs, ultimately making it an affordable alternative fuel.

He pointed out that green energy is increasingly being used to combat the pressing issue of global climate change.

However, he noted that high production costs and the significant energy required to convert raw materials into hydrogen pose challenges to the transition to green energy.

In this regard, Abang Johari said Sarawak is fully utilising its renewable energy resources to support hydrogen production.

“We have an advantage in renewable energy. We are currently generating five gigawatts of renewable energy and aim to increase that to 10 gigawatts by 2030.

“This means we need energy to produce hydrogen, and the price must be within market range. This will enable hydrogen to become a viable alternative fuel,” he said.

In the Asian context, the Premier noted that China is aggressively conducting research to reduce hydrogen production costs.

He also mentioned that Sarawak is forging strategic partnerships with Japan and South Korea in hydrogen production, with plans to export hydrogen to both countries in future.

Among those present at the event were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan; Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi; State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh; Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni; and Sarawak Energy Berhad chairman Datuk Ibrahim Baki.