KUCHING: Sarawak is actively exploring Power-to-X projects, leveraging its abundant renewable energy resources to generate clean hydrogen.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said by combining hydrogen with carbon dioxide, a range of synthetic fuels and chemicals can be produced, including green methanol, sustainable aviation fuel, green ammonia, and even polyesters.
“These polyesters can be processed into various forms such as green fibers, bottles or films, contributing to a more sustainable future,” he said.
He was delivering his keynote address titled ‘Powering Borneo Energy Future As ASEAN’s Sustainable Energy Hub’ during the Energy Industries Council (EIC) Connect Energy Borneo event held at Hikmah Exchange Convention Centre Kuching here on Tuesday.
Power-to-X project refers to an initiative that use renewable electricity to convert it into other usable forms of energy products, essentially transforming power into something else such as hydrogen, synthetic fuels, or ammonia, which can be stored and utilised in sectors difficult to directly electrify, like heavy industry or transportation, thus contributing to decarbonisation efforts.
Abang Johari said Sarawak has already made significant strides by initiating its first green methanol project through the Sarawak Petchem.
“This project not only underscores our commitment to innovative energy solutions.
“In addition, it also positions Sarawak as a leader in the transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy systems,” he said.
On a related note, Abang Johari said Sarawak is poised to play a pivotal role in Malaysia’s ambition to develop its clean hydrogen industry.
“By leveraging on our abundant renewable energy resources, particularly hydro and solar power, along with natural gas resources and carbon capture and storage capabilities, we aim to become a cost-competitive clean hydrogen hub with large-scale production capacity,” he said.
He also said Sarawak has begun the journey with the development of the Sarawak Hydrogen Hub in Bintulu which will site major projects like the H2onbill and H2biscus with international partners from Japan and South Korea, respectively.
“To encourage and promote domestic offtakes of clean hydrogen, by next year, the public transportation in this beautiful city of Kuching will be fully powered by hydrogen through the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) initiative, featuring hydrogen buses and autonomous rail transit,” he said.
