KUCHING: Sarawak will be the first hydrogen-driven economy in Southeast Asia once the major hydrogen manufacturing projects, namely H2biscus and H2ornbill, begin operating in 2027.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the two manufacturing projects located in Bintulu Petchem Industrial Park, are the cornerstone of Sarawak’s green hydrogen economy.
He said the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) through its subsidiary SEDC Energy is collaborating with Japanese companies Sumitomo Corporation and Eneos on the H2ornbill project that will develop large-scale production of green hydrogen.
Apart from that, he said SEDC Energy is working with three South Korean companies, namely Samsung Engineering, Posco and Lotte Chemicals in developing a green hydrogen derivative facility.
“These companies will actively develop the entire cycle of the H2biscus project including direct investment, construction, transportation, and utilisation,” he said is his keynote address at the 2023 World Green and Sustainability Summit on “Building a Better Future Through Green Growth” held at USCI Hotel on today (Sept 4).
Abang Johari said the H2biscus project is expected to produce 7,000 tonnes per annum of green hydrogen for domestic use; 600,000 tonnes per annum of blue ammonia; 630,000 tonnes per annum of green ammonia; and 460,000 tonnes per annum of green methanol for export.
“Thus, we are looking to export to Japan and Singapore,” he said.
He added that the potential for the hydrogen economy is limitless; for instance, SEDC Energy is also developing a hydrogen production plant and refuelling station to support the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project.
Meanwhile, the hydrogen production plant in Rembus, Kota Samarahan, is expected to be completed in 2025.
