SINGAPORE: Sarawak aims to become one of the pioneers in producing hydrogen-based fusion energy and targeting to commercialise modular processing technology in the region within the next five years.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak’s abundant natural resources, particularly water and rivers, provides the State with the capability to sustainably extract hydrogen as a future energy source.
He explained that fusion energy offers a safer, cleaner and more affordable alternative compared to nuclear energy, which carries high risks and often faces public resistance.
“In the hydrogen process, there is an atom called deuterium. When this deuterium atom reacts with another atom, it produces what we call fusion energy.
“This technology has now been proven to work, and it is cheaper and far safer than nuclear energy,” he said.
He said this when delivering his address to Sarawak civil servants in conjunction with the Sarawak Civil Service (SCS) One Team Retreat (OTR) 2025 programme today.
Abang Johari pointed out that Sarawak’s leadership in green energy has gained global recognition, as the State is frequently invited to share its experiences at various international energy forums.
“From our research and findings, the cleanest energy in the world is hydrogen. We have water, we have rivers; so we can extract hydrogen from water, and this is what we are doing now.
“The world recognises Sarawak as a leader in the energy transition,” he said.
He added that the State is not only producing hydrogen but also venturing into fusion energy technology, which holds significant potential for the future.
“If the world didn’t recognise us, they wouldn’t invite us to speak at the World Forum,” he added.
The Premier expressed confidence in Sarawak’s ability to spearhead this transition, citing the State’s strengths in clean energy resources, political stability, and local innovation capacity.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining clean air and public health, drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“During COVID-19, I thought perhaps the disease was linked to polluted air. When we breathe in low-quality air, our immune system is affected.
“The world has now realised that we need clean air. Scientists say life depends on oxygen,” he said.
Abang Johari emphasised that advancing clean energy initiatives such as hydrogen and fusion is not just an economic move but part of a broader mission to ensure future generations live in a healthier and more sustainable environment.
“We want to ensure that Sarawak not only prospers economically but also becomes a model State that prioritises the well-being of its people and the sustainability of the planet,” he stressed.
