KUCHING: The State government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Swinburne University of Technology to explore the hydrogen economy.
The MoU was signed by the President of Swinburne University, Professor Pascale Quester and Director of Economic Planning Unit Sarawak, Datu Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel in Hawthorn, Melbourne.
The signing was witnessed by Deputy Premier of Sarawak Dato Sri Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian.
The Victorian Hydrogen Hub (VH2), led by Swinburne University and funded by the Victorian State Government, aims to collaborate on the hydrogen economy and its development in Sarawak, including integrating both parties more broadly within the global hydrogen supply chain and ecosystem.
Dr Sim said the Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s vision is for Sarawak to be the main clean hydrogen-producing hub in the region in its quest to develop a hydrogen-driven economy for Sarawak.
“Security of energy supply and climate change represent two major concerns about the future of the energy sector which give rise to the challenge of finding the best way to rein in emissions while also providing the energy required to sustain economies.
“Hydrogen is attractive because whether it is burned to produce heat or reacted with air in a fuel cell to produce electricity, the only by-product is water,” he added.
Through this MoU, both partners hope to address research and human capital concerns, as well as encourage sustainable manufacturing practices, the ability to store clean energy from renewable sources and strive to create a sustainable future for everybody.
The collaboration will focus on Research and Innovation through industry-led research and innovation programmes; Human Capital Development for the hydrogen economy by creating new hydrogen skills and training programmes; Industry 4.0 Testbed for Hydrogen Manufacturing and supply chain by creating a physical demonstration and training site for hydrogen technologies, implementation, maintenance and safety; Global Hydrogen Connectivity through technology adoption, adaptation and demonstration.
Dr Muhammad Abdullah said renewable energy is one the key growth economic sectors of Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 and clean hydrogen is a versatile energy carrier and feedstock that can allow the energy and industrial sectors to achieve deep carbonisation.
“Barriers to market activation stem from a lack of supporting infrastructure and the cost of hydrogen supply.
“However both barriers can be overcome via a series of strategic partnerships and investments along the value chain from both the private and public sectors.
“Through this partnership, Sarawak government is looking forward to growing the co-operation in hydrogen economy, especially in Research and Innovation, Human Capital Development, Industry 4.0 Testbed for Hydrogen Manufacturing and supply chain and Global Hydrogen Connectivity,” he added.
