KUCHING: Sarawak is prepared to absorb the high upfront cost of hydrogen development as part of its long-term strategy to lead in clean energy, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the state’s prototype hydrogen plant under Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) is expensive, but necessary to test and develop emerging technologies.
“Yes, my proto-plant SEB is quite expensive. But that is part of what we call an experiment that you have to do. And there is a risk there.
“Unless you are bold enough to take the risk, if you are afraid to take the risk, then don’t talk about hydrogen. But as far as I’m concerned, I take the risk,” he said during the Fireside Chat titled “From Sarawak to the World: Journey to Clean Energy Leadership” held in conjunction with the International Energy Week (IEW) 2025 held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.
Abang Johari said the state has a clear ramping strategy to monitor costs over the next decade, adding he believes the cost of hydrogen will go down within the next five years.
On attracting foreign investors, he said the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability could serve as a point of coordination to guide them through the process.
“There are many technical aspects to carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS). One is through forestry, and there are authorities that handle that. The ministry can connect you with them,” he said.
He also pointed to Sarawak’s geological advantage for offshore carbon storage, citing the Kasawari CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) project by Petronas and its partners.
“Sarawak is very fortunate that we are outside the Ring of Fire. We can still store carbon through our depleted or abandoned gas fields,” he said.
