KUCHING: Sarawak will set up its first hydrogen plant in Samalaju, Bintulu this year, said Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Dr Hazland Abang Hipni.

According to him, the plant’s construction will be jointly undertaken by two companies from abroad, namely Samsung from Korea and Sumitomo from Japan.

“The construction of this plant is expected to take two to three years to complete and it will be used to produce hydrogen energy by the time it is completed.

“Apart from our own usage here in Sarawak, it will also be exported and all of the revenues will be handed over to the Sarawak government,” he said at the World Environment Day celebration at Mydin Tunku Vista Petra Jaya, here today.

However, he pointed out that it does not mean Sarawak will rely on hydrogen energy 100 per cent.

“Sarawak will only use 60 per cent hydrogen, on top of other energies such as solar energy, electricity and gas,” he added.

In addition, he pointed out that hydrogen energy is expected to be the main source of energy in the future because it is capable of generating electricity.

“We are fortunate because Sarawak is endowed with various natural resources such as rivers and high rainfall rates.

“Therefore, those resources must be utilised for the best interest of the Sarawak as everyone can produce hydrogen energy, as long as they have the necessary resources.

“Therefore, through the establishment of this hydrogen plant, we can not only reduce the dependence on oil and gas from foreign countries, but also export our own hydrogen to countries in need, thus reaping benefits for Sarawak,” he added.

Meanwhile, in conjunction with the celebration of World Environment Day which falls on June 5, various interesting activities were held  to commemorate the importance of the environment.

The theme chosen for this year’s World Environment Day is ‘Only One Earth’.