“This project will contribute towards Sarawak’s energy transition initiatives for greener energy," said Abang Johari.
KUCHING: Craun Research Sdn Bhd is developing the first bio-compressed natural gas plant from sago waste.
This green cooking gas will be distributed via gas-piping network to 147 selected rural households and public facilities in Mukah, central Sarawak, according to Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“This project will contribute towards Sarawak’s energy transition initiatives for greener energy while improving basic rural utilities and reducing dependency on fossil-based cooking gas,” he said in his winding-up speech at the state assembly yesterday.
He said Craun had developed a proof-of-concept pilot plant to recover, treat and utilise sago waste in Mukah.
The plant turns sago mill wastewater and wet sago fibres into value-added products such as biogas for electricity and heat generation, as well as dried sago hampas for animal feed.
“We are adopting circular economy approach for our sago industry to solve river pollution arising from the disposal of sago waste,” he added.
Sarawak, the world’s largest sago flour exporter, exported 37,884 tonnes of sago starch worth RM78.3mil in 2020.
Total sago planted area in Sarawak is about 33,000 hectares, mainly in the Mukah and Dalat districts. Smallholders accounted for more than 90% of the planted area.
On carbon trading, Abang Johari said Sarawak had made another significant milestone by opening the doors for the private sector to actively participate in the carbon trading initiative, which is a significant global effort to address climate change.
The Sarawak state assembly approved the Forests (Forest Carbon Activity) Rules 2022, which took effect on January 2023, and this makes carbon trading possible.
He said SaraCarbon Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of timber giant Samling Group, was the first company to receive a Carbon Study permit. The permit allows the company to conduct studies in its area of interest for a carbon licence application.
“Carbon trading is a win-win solution for Sarawak. It provides an opportunity for companies to generate revenue while also contributing to the conservation of the environment.
“With our extensive forest cover, Sarawak has great potential to become a significant player in the international carbon market,” he added.
On carbon capture and storage (CCS), Abang Johari said Sarawak has a world-scale potential for carbon dioxide (CO2) storage, estimated at nine billion tonnes.
“In the near term, unlocking the stranded sour gas resources is a key objective. Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) is leading the CCS agenda to unlock the potential long-term value for the region.
“Sarawak, through Petros, is developing a comprehensive CCS Roadmap outlining the strategies and actions necessary to realise the full potential of the CCS value chain in Sarawak.”
He said the implementation of the CCS in Sarawak is expected to ensure long-term energy sustainability and security.
The CCS will attract foreign direct investment and promote the growth of blue and green hydrogen and its derivative industries in the region,” he added.
