Deputy minister highlights Sarawak’s potential as green hydrogen hub at Asean Green Hydrogen Conference 2024

Dr Hazland (centre) with Fadillah (fourth right) and other dignitaries and officials in a group photo at the recent Asean Green Hydrogen Conference 2024, which was held at Berjaya Times Square in Kuala Lumpur.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, May 15: The development of green hydrogen in Sarawak not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also opens economic opportunities, positioning Sarawak as a leader in the energy transition in the region, says Sarawak Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability (Meesty) Dr Hazland Abang Hipni.

During a dialogue session at the Asean Green Hydrogen Conference 2024, Dr Hazland, who was among the distinguished panellists, stated that, while the green hydrogen market in Sarawak is still in its early stages, it has significant potential due to the State’s abundance of renewable energy resources, particularly hydropower.

“Sarawak is the only State in Malaysia with an Environmental Ordinance that introduces a carbon levy and carbon crediting mechanism,” Dr Hazland was quoted as saying in a press release.

The Asean Green Hydrogen Conference 2024 was recently held at Berjaya Times Square in Kuala Lumpur.

The conference was inaugurated by Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof, who also serves as the federal Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation.

During the conference, Dr Hazland also elaborated on Sarawak’s unique legislation, such as the Land (Carbon Storage) Rules 2022 and Forests Carbon Activity, which support carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) activities and the carbon market.

On another related matter, the minister announced that Curtin University in Miri has launched a Bachelor of Energy Engineering programme focusing on hydrogen.

“This initiative aims to encourage Sarawakians to join the workforce in energy-related projects within the State,” he added.

Additionally, Dr Hazland elaborated on collaborations between the Sarawak government and major companies like Sumitomo, Eneos, Gentari, Samsung, and Lotte, which demonstrates the State’s high potential in expanding hydrogen activities.

He pointed out that local players such as SEDC Energy are also actively involved and highlighted projects such as hydrogen buses, the Autonomous Rail Transit (ART), and Petros Energy Stations.

Other panellists at the conference included Deputy Secretary General of Technology Development at Malaysia’s Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation Datuk Dr Mohd Nor Azman Hassan, and Muhammad Huzaini Ghazali, Chief Strategy & Portfolio Officer at Gentari, Malaysia. — DayakDaily