S’wak targets raising domestic gas use to 30 pct by 2030

KUCHING (Oct 30): Sarawak aims to increase its domestic gas utilisation from six per cent to 30 per cent by 2030, while continuing to secure long-term supply and drive industrial growth.

According to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, this is possible because the state has Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros), now Malaysia’s third-largest oil and gas (O&G) producer and the sole gas aggregator in Sarawak, managing the statewide distribution of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Moreover, he believes that this is augmented by Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGR), set to create gas hubs each in Kuching, Bintulu, Samalaju and Miri, towards ensuring gas access through the ‘hub-and-spoke’ delivery model.

“This initiative will connect all parts of Sarawak, including the remote areas, unlocking new opportunities for industrial investments.

“The Kuching Low-Carbon Gas Hub will also play a key role, supported by a new deep seaport, the LNG import facility, offshore gas fields, and a CCS (carbon capture and storage) facility.

“Natural gas will serve as a transitional energy source, complementing renewables to create a lower carbon energy mix. This will enhance the competitiveness of Sarawak’s industries with sustainable and affordable energy,” he said in his speech for ‘Petros Connect 2024’ event held here yesterday.

Apart from that, Awang Tengah also said Petros would spearhead carbon capture projects, leveraging offshore sites with a carbon dioxide (CO2) storage capacity of three trillion cubic metres.

“As such, the state welcomes investment in these CCS projects to support Sarawak’s shift to a low-carbon economy, while Petros is also collaborating with educational institutions to train and provide job opportunities for local talents,” he added.

Following that, several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed between Petros, academic institutions and industry partners on collaborations in training and on-the-job placement initiatives during Petros Connect 2024.

On Petros Connect, Awang Tengah hailed it as a platform designed to connect both local and foreign stakeholders in the O&G industry, and also to highlight the opportunities for the O&G industry to expand their operations in Sarawak and contribute to its economic prosperity.

“Petros Conncet promotes industrial growth by enabling exploration of new O&G fields and adopting advanced technologies such as CCS.

“This platform aligns with our Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which aims to transition our economy towards a sustainable, low-carbon growth region.”

Awang Tengah also regarded Petros’ journey as a catalyst for Sarawak’s future success under the visionary leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

“Petros is at the forefront of Sarawak’s economic transformation. What it has achieved in just seven years after its establishment is remarkable.

“I congratulate the Petros board and management for these impressive accomplishments,” he said.