Could Sarawak be sitting on natural hydrogen reserves? Premier orders study following gas discoveries

Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Photo credit: Sarawak Information Department (Japen)

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, June 15: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has called for a scientific study into the State’s natural hydrogen potential following reports of gas discoveries and emissions in several parts of Sarawak.

Speaking to reporters after launching the SWG Green Industrial Complex and Decarbon Hub at Demak Laut Industrial Park here today, he said the key question is whether sufficient volumes of naturally occurring hydrogen exist underground to be commercially viable.

Abang Johari explained that natural hydrogen may form under geological conditions commonly found in peat-rich areas, where water and organic matter are subjected to underground pressure over long periods.

“Usually, natural gas is found in areas with peat. In peat, there is water and carbon from organic matter. There is compression underground.

“Because hydrogen is lighter than carbon, when it is compressed, it tends to rise. If there is sufficient volume there, then we may have natural hydrogen. That is why I asked them to study it,” he said.

He pointed to indications of underground gas in several areas of the State, including Lawas and Gedong.

“In Gedong, when people do piling work, gas comes out. There are emissions, but we do not know the volume. That is only an indication. What we need now are scientists to go there,” he said.

The Premier said he has requested Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) and scientists under the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability (MEESty) led by Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, to conduct the necessary research.

Abang Johari, who is also the Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, further said the volume of any hydrogen resource remains the critical factor.

“This is based on whatever knowledge that I have. What becomes the question is the volume. So you have to do research on this hydrogen,” he said.

He also noted that methane could be an indicator worth studying, given its chemical composition.

“If there is methane, there may also be hydrogen. Methane is CH4. There is carbon and hydrogen — four elements of hydrogen and one element of carbon,” he explained.

Abang Johari stressed that only scientific research can determine whether the gas occurrences reported in parts of Sarawak are linked to commercially significant hydrogen resources.

“We need scientists to study it. If there is a lot, then we have a lot of gas,” he added. — DayakDaily