Phase Two of S’wak’s hydrogen demand projected at two tonnes daily by 2029 for KUTS

Dr Hazland during the DUS sitting on May 12, 2026. Photo credit: Sarawak Information Department (Japen)

By Dayangku Hidayatul

KUCHING, May 12: Phase Two of Sarawak’s hydrogen demand initiative is projected to require two tonnes of hydrogen daily by 2029 to power the hydrogen-fuelled Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system and feeder buses under the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS).

Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni said the State remains committed to developing a broader clean hydrogen economy, positioning Sarawak as a regional energy powerhouse under the Sarawak Energy Transition Policy and Sarawak Hydrogen Economy Roadmap.

“Sarawak’s hydrogen development is being implemented practically and progressively, balancing export readiness with domestic market development, while building local capabilities and creating sustainable long-term value for Sarawak,” he said during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today.

Responding to Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How during the question-and-answer session, Dr Hazland said Sarawak is actively stimulating domestic hydrogen demand through projects such as KUTS, which will utilise hydrogen-powered ART vehicles and feeder buses.

He added that the ministry is focusing on strengthening the entire hydrogen value chain, from production and midstream processing to domestic utilisation and future export opportunities.

Additionally, Dr Hazland added that PETROS, through its partnership with China Jiangsu International Economic and Technical Cooperation Group Ltd, is developing the Kuching Low Carbon Gas Hub, which forms a key component of the midstream segment and could potentially include hydrogen and related derivatives.

He added that the initiative is further complemented by Sarawak Petchem’s low-carbon methanol project, which strengthens the State’s midstream capabilities and supports the development of a viable hydrogen ecosystem, enhancing Sarawak’s credibility in securing long-term international offtake arrangements. — DayakDaily