Bio-refinery to be built in Bintulu

SRI AMAN: Sarawak is looking at building a bio-refinery in Bintulu for refining oil derived from microalgae cultivation.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this development will proceed once the 10,000-acre microalgae cultivation farm is operational.

“The world is actively seeking sustainable fuel sources, and Sarawak has great potential in this area.

“Sarawak’s tropical climate provides a favourable environment for producing oil from algae,” he said.

Abang Johari said this in his text-of-speech read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas during the 2024 Sarawak-level Malaysia Day Celebration held at the Indoor Stadium Complex, Sri Aman here on Monday (Sept 16).

He further said studies show that 1,000 acres of algae can produce 10,000 barrels of crude algae oil daily, which could potentially be used in the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

“Currently, research is being conducted in Bintulu by SEDC Energy in collaboration with Petronas.

“This project will be expanded to 10,000 acres, with an expected output of 100,000 barrels of crude algae oil per day by 2030.

“A bio-refinery will be built in Bintulu to refine the oil once the 10,000-acre farm is operational,” he said.

On a related note, he said the world’s growing concerns about global warming must be met calmly, as every problem brings opportunities for solutions.

“Sarawak is actively exploring new fields such as clean fuel production. With ongoing research, I am confident that the cost of hydrogen production can be reduced, making it a cheaper and more effective fuel in curbing excessive carbon emissions.

“Through this approach, we can help mitigate global warming and contribute to global efforts in tackling climate change,” he said.

He added federal government has identified Sarawak as a strategic location for launching satellites.

“Therefore, we must prepare in terms of skilled labor to support the aerospace field. This includes offering training and education opportunities in this sector at Sarawak-owned institutions.

“With this initiative, we can develop the local expertise needed to support the aerospace industry and leverage Sarawak’s potential as an important satellite launch hub,” he said.

He also said in managing Sarawak’s natural resources, particularly in the oil and gas sector, the state government has successfully increased state revenues through the implementation of the Sales Tax (SST) on petroleum products.

“This effort has yielded encouraging results, with state revenue reaching up to RM13 billion last year,” he said.

Abang Johari added through PETROS, Sarawak has increased its oil and gas revenue.

“PETROS has now grown to become the third-largest oil company in the country, generating significant annual returns,” he said.

Earlier, Sarawak Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Mohd Sanusi were among the guests of honour at the celebration.