KUCHING: Sarawak is set to export hydrogen in solid form to Singapore within the next two months, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He explained that the pilot export will be carried out through a partnership between the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), via its energy arm SEDC Energy Sdn Bhd (SEDCE), and a company in Singapore.
“We call this process metallic hydride, which contains hydrogen. It will be exported in solid form and later converted into liquid hydrogen for use in Singapore,” he told reporters after officiating the Sustainability and Renewable Energy Forum (SAREF 4.0), powered by Sarawak Energy, at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today (Sept 3).
When asked about the export volume, Abang Johari said the exact figures and revenue have yet to be finalised.
“What is important is that Sarawak is now capable of producing hydrogen in multiple forms. In this case, it is in solid form through metallic hydride,” he said.
During his keynote session earlier, the Premier described hydrogen as “the energy of the future” and highlighted the rapid progress made globally.
“Japan and China have managed to cut hydrogen production costs by 80 per cent. That means hydrogen will one day become the cleanest and most viable energy source. For now, we are starting with this pilot project of exporting to Singapore in solid form — specifically magnesium hydride. Once there, it can be liquefied and converted back into gas,” he said.
Abang Johari added that technological advances are steadily improving hydrogen logistics and transportation, moving beyond the current use of compressed hydrogen in tubes.
Previously, SEDCE in a statement said that it is partnering with technology provider Hydrexia Holding Limited to facilitate the export of Sarawak’s first green hydrogen molecules overseas.
The export will utilise Hydrexia’s solid-state Metal Hydride Hydrogen Storage Technology (MHX), which stores hydrogen in magnesium hydride. The molecules are produced at SEDCE’s Darul Hana H2 Plant through water electrolysis using a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyser powered by grid electricity and water supply.
SEDCE also revealed it is in talks with potential offtakers for future green hydrogen exports, positioning Sarawak at the forefront of the regional hydrogen economy while supporting the global energy transition.
