Conference highlights hydrogen as key energy source for Asia’s future

KUALA LUMPUR: The H2 Asia Conference 2024 kicked off on Wednesday (Oct 23) at the Intercontinental Hotel Kuala Lumpur, marking a pivotal moment in Asia’s transition toward hydrogen as a key energy source.

The event drew 160 delegates from across Asia, including major players such as Petronas, Gentari, and Rystad Energy, showcasing the region’s growing commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Sarawak, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, delivered a keynote address titled “Hydrogen Horizon: Engineering Excellence and Project Synergy for a Sustainable Future.”

He outlined Sarawak’s leadership role in advancing hydrogen innovation, supported by a well-structured road map aiming for 2030 and beyond.

In his speech, he introduced Sarawak’s four-pillar framework for driving the hydrogen economy: legal, technical, financial, and human resource development.

This plan, he noted, includes a collaboration between SEDC Energy and Lestari H2 Gaas to establish Malaysia’s first electrolyser assembly facility in Sarawak.

Among the key projects highlighted were Sarawak’s partnerships with Japan and Korea to develop two large-scale hydrogen and ammonia plants, as well as its pioneering hydrogen mobility efforts, including the Toyota Mirai “Motor Beyond Zero” initiative.

“The future of sustainable energy lies in synergy between governments, industries, and institutions. Sarawak’s frameworks are not just plans; they are pillars of commitment toward achieving a sustainable energy transition,” he said.

The conference continues with sessions focusing on hydrogen infrastructure, financing models, and public-private partnerships, underscoring Asia’s collective effort to embrace hydrogen as a critical enabler of the global energy transition.

The event was officially launched by the Norwegian Ambassador to Malaysia and Brunei, Morton Paulson.

Ir Surendran Kandasamy, head of Hydrogen Energy Transition Solutions at Petronas, chaired the conference, noting the importance of collaboration in pushing hydrogen innovation forward.