Abang Johari (right) visiting Sarawak Energy Bhd's booth at the Singapore Energy Summit.
KUCHING: Sarawak aims to optimise its hydrogen production and enhance its know-how in this new technology in its transition to a low-carbon economy, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
The Sarawak Premier said the state was intensively analysing the performance of its hydrogen production plant and refuelling station, commissioned in 2019 under a pilot research project into green hydrogen production.
"Hydrogen has wide applications in our existing industries and can be exported in various forms and via different methods.
"It will play a central role in the further greening of Sarawak's industries, transportation and healthcare sectors in the future," he said in a keynote address at the Singapore Energy Summit in conjunction with Singapore International Energy Week on Tuesday (Oct 25).
Abang Johari said Sarawak had the resources to be a pioneer in the future global supply chain for renewable energy.
He said the state planned to develop six multi-fuel stations catering to vehicles powered by standard fossil fuels, electricity and hydrogen.
"We have also partnered with global players from South Korea to develop an environmentally-friendly hydrogen and ammonia plant in Bintulu.
"Once completed, the plant will produce 7,000 tonnes of hydrogen in addition to various forms of ammonia for local industries and South Korea," he said.
Abang Johari also said the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and Sarawak Energy Bhd were actively building partnerships to expand local knowledge of hydrogen-related technologies in Sarawak.
They are also exploring the commercial production of green hydrogen and the viability of its associated value chain in Asia.
"As the scale of hydrogen expands, associated costs will continue to drop, which will be yet another game changer for Sarawak's economic landscape.
"As such, it is important for Sarawak to become a first mover in hydrogen usage," he said.