KUCHING: Sarawak is looking forward to partnering with the Republic of Korea in producing alternative aviation fuels such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said he was aware that Korean Air would use SAF on its route between Paris and Seoul Incheon as part of the airline’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 per cent and move towards greener aviation.
“SAF could be the key to sustainable air travel in the transition to low carbon fuel and to decarbonise the aviation industry.
“As a step forward, Sarawak through SEDC is collaborating with Airbus and Rolls Royce through Aerospace Malaysia Innovation Centre (AMIC), undertaking research and development on green hydrogen and fuel cell as future aviation fuel in Demak, Kuching,” he said in his keynote address at the Sarawak-Korea Energy Business Forum 2022 themed ‘Accelerating The Sarawak-Korea Strategic Energy Partnership’ here today.
He said the SAF collaboration was a venture into developing aviation biofuels in which the aviation industry had net-zero carbon emission goals.
“Biodiesel and e-methanol could be another avenue contributing to the aviation and marine industry as low carbon fuels.
“Expanding domestic SAF production can help sustain the benefits of our biofuel industry and forge new economic benefits, creating and securing employment opportunities across the country.
“I believe there is tremendous opportunities between Sarawak and Korea towards a future fuelled with SAF that could unlock additional social, environmental and economic benefits from creating jobs to restoring soil and watersheds to improving aircraft performance,” he said.
However there was a need to address the gap between jet fuel price and the cost of sustainable fuels to be more competitive, he said.
“We need to reduce financial risks to pave the way for greater investment in production infrastructure. The key to greater acceptance and deployment of SAF is reduction in costs.
“We look forward to partnering with the Republic of Korea, especially in research, development and commercialisation of improved production technologies and innovative sustainable feedstocks,” he said.
Therefore, as Sarawak transformed and pushed towards sustainable energy powerhouse, regional and international partnerships were instrumental in ensuring energy security and reliability, he said.
“Sarawak welcomes partnerships across the value chain. Together, I believe there are plenty of exciting opportunities we can capture and realise. And together, we can press on in our charge towards addressing climate change and creating a sustainable energy future for us all.
“We assure you that we have put in place robust policies and procedures to ensure integrity, transparency and good governance that will certainly improve the ease of doing business in Sarawak.
“I believe this platform marks the beginning of a robust collaboration between Sarawak and Korea in energy development. The future is bright,” he said. The forum also witnessed a contract-signing for the Semadang Microgrid Project between Sarawak Energy Berhad and a Korean consortium signed by Sarawak Energy Group chief executive officer Datuk Sharbini Suhaili, Nuri Flex Co. Ltd. vice president Kim Han Soo and KH Shinhwa SnC Co. Ltd. chief executive officer Min Jong Ki.
