KUCHING: The state government is fulfilling its promise of kick starting research on the usage of hydrogen energy. Yesterday, Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg launched the earth breaking ceremony of a pilot hydrogen production plant and refuelling station at Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) Western Regional Office, Bintawa. Through this project, SEB aims to evaluate the viability of hydrogen and fuel cells to power the state’s future transportation sector.
Sarawak Energy, the appointed entity who responsible in this pilot project, is building a pilot hydrogen production plant and refuelling station to evaluate the viability of hydrogen and fuel cells to power the state’s transportation sector in the future. Located here and scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2019, the refuelling station will be the first dedicated to transportation in South East Asia.
Sarawak Energy is building the facility in partnership with Linde Malaysia, part of the global Linde Group and a leading industrial gas supplier in Malaysia.
The two corporations also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore potential markets for hydrogen and to undertake a joint technical study to assess the technology of the whole value chain. Representing Sarawak Energy were Group Chief Executive Officer, Sharbini Suhaili and the senior management team as well as Linde’s Head of Regional Business Unit, Rob Hughes.
“Congratulations to SEB for its bold efforts to take the challenge for hydrogen. This pilot project means that Sarawak and Sarawak Energy are moving forward even more in the global initiative to mitigate climate change.
“We can reduce our carbon footprints and expand our sustainable green energy initiative. This is an investment in future sustainability for Sarawak and the world beyond our shores. “Our state may even become a supplier of hydrogen energy one day. By using this form of energy, we hope to promote the usage of green energy to other nations,” said the Chief Minister.
During yesterday’s ceremony, Sarawak Energy Chairman, Datuk Amar Abdul Hamed Sepawi said the move to set up the facility was part of the corporation’s contribution to support the state’s green energy agenda. “With this pilot project, our focus is to enhance knowledge in this area. While we may still have a long journey ahead of us, today’s earth breaking ceremony marks a significant milestone for Sarawak,” said Hamedb.
He thanked the Chief Minister for honouring Sarawak Energy by entrusting the state-owned energy developer to prepare a Green Energy Agenda for the state of which hydrogen could potentially play a significant role in the future. Me anwhi l e, Rob Hughe s described the partnership with Sarawak Energy as a testament of a team ready to embrace the sustainable agenda on a greater scale.
“Linde has worked with partners in delivering around 150 hydrogen fuelling stations around the world and it is now extending its focus to Asia,” Hughes said. Also present at the ceremony were Utilities Minister, Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom as well as other members of the State Cabinet.
