KUCHING: Sarawak is set to achieve a reduction of 3.3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually following the implementation of its first Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) project.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state has licensed the country’s and also the region’s first CCS project off the coast of Sarawak at the Petronas Kasawari fields off Bintulu.
“This project is estimated to reduce up to 3.3 million tonnes annually of carbon dioxide extracted from the field, making it one of the world’s largest offshore CCS projects.
“This achievement firmly positions Sarawak as a global leader in this cutting-edge technology towards achieving net-zero carbon by 2050,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the 5th International Energy Week (IEW) Expo and Summit 2023 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Tuesday (June 13).
“This game-changing initiative is poised to revolutionise the regional upstream oil and gas industry, driving innovation and marking a substantial step towards sustainable energy production that benefits both the industry and the environment.
“It also demonstrates Sarawak’s capability in managing CCS through proper legislation, regulations and in attaining world-class standards on par with international level CCS operations,” he said.
He added the state possesses vast potential for carbon storage, estimated at nine billion metric tonnes of possible storage, under the stable seabed formation of its continental shelf.
“Our offshore depleted or abandoned petroleum fields offer an ideal location for secure and permanent storage of captured carbon dioxide.
“This presents a significant prospect for oil and gas companies and heavy industries to store their captured carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and fulfill their obligations in reducing CO2 emissions,” he said.
Sarawak, he said, takes great pride in assuming a leadership role in the energy transition and the effort to reducing its carbon footprint.
“The Sarawak government is laying down the foundation for a successful energy transition, and our plans call for speed and scale to meet our targets by 2030.
“We will continue to intensify our efforts in promoting a low-carbon economy in Sarawak, ultimately progressing towards the future with net-zero carbon emissions,” he said.
He also said the state will continue to develop its energy infrastructure, increasing resiliency of the system, and ensure sufficient energy is available for domestic and international markets.
“The government will also continue to improve the laws, policy and regulations to ensure ease of doing business in Sarawak in order to further accelerate its economic growth.
“Furthermore, we are committed to collaborating with our international partners, sharing our experiences and learning from others.
“We firmly believe that through collective action, we can achieve a greener, more sustainable future for everyone,” he said.
Abang Johari said the state government welcomes other nations to collaborate and develop new projects in partnership as it strives to combat climate change and forge a sustainable future.
Last year, the Sarawak government enacted legislation that allows for the operation of carbon and nature-based solution ventures.
Also, the Forest (Forest Carbon Activity) Rules, 2022 have been amended, providing a legal framework to regulate forest resources, including carbon stocks within the forest ecosystems.
