SINGAPORE: Sarawak is solidifying its position as a leader in the Asia-Pacific green hydrogen economy by leveraging its abundant hydropower to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak aims to become the ‘Battery of Asean’ by supplying clean energy and enhancing cross-border interconnectivity.
He said that through the Asean Power Grid initiative, Sarawak is strengthening regional energy security while exploring storage solutions to optimise supply and distribution.
With Asia’s growing demand for clean fuel, Sarawak is scaling up commercial green hydrogen production.
“Partnerships with Japan, South Korea, and China are expanding Sarawak’s hydrogen supply chain, positioning us as a leader in the Asia-Pacific green hydrogen economy.
“However, green hydrogen alone cannot eliminate emissions across all industries.
“Sarawak is integrating Carbon Capture, Utilisation & Storage (CCUS) to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors while unlocking new low-carbon economic opportunities,” he said.
He said this when delivering a public lecture at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute here today.
On the same note, the Premier highlighted Sarawak’s role as a key supplier of low-carbon ammonia to Japan in the development and trade of ammonia between Malaysia and the Land of the Rising Sun.
He noted that this collaboration aligns with both countries’ clean energy transition strategies.
“Building on this, we are collaborating with Japan to convert methane into ammonia using syngas technology, maximising resource efficiency while reducing emissions.
“These innovations are crucial in cutting carbon emissions and reinforcing Sarawak’s role in industrial decarbonisation,” he added.
Abang Johari also said Sarawak is expanding low-carbon fuel production to support industrial and energy transition efforts.
Noting that Sarawak is advancing its low-carbon fuel initiatives with the launch of the Methanol Complex, its first methanol export to China, and the Green Methanol Plant, he said these efforts will boost sustainable fuel production for industries, power, transport, and shipping.
These initiatives, he added, are integral to Sarawak’s broader decarbonisation strategy, integrating renewable energy and carbon capture technologies to lower emissions across industries.
As part of its low-carbon transition, Sarawak is also optimising natural gas resources for a structured shift toward cleaner energy.
“Launched last November, the Sarawak Gas Roadmap outlines strategies to maximise natural gas utilisation while integrating renewables and Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) to strengthen energy security and sustainability.
“At the same time, biomass plays a key role in Sarawak’s energy transition, with agricultural waste being converted into biofuels, biogas, and syngas to support industrial decarbonisation.
“Expanding on this commitment to clean energy, research into microalgae-based Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is progressing, offering new opportunities to reduce emissions in the aviation sector,” he said.
CAPTION: NTE: Use file pics of Abang Johari first. Will send the function photos to the email later once received.
