Sarawak to produce hydrogen by 2027

MIRI: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg says Sarawak is partnering Japan and Korea to produce 240,000 tons of hydrogen by 2027.

“By 2027, in partnership with Japan and Korea, we are going to produce 240,000 tons of hydrogen from Sarawak. We plan to retain 9,000 tons for our Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) vehicles that run on hydrogen,” Abang Johari said during the 25th anniversary celebration of Curtin Malaysia Sarawak’s campus here last night.

“We are one of the few regions globally producing hydrogen, and we are receiving many visitors interested in our hydrogen initiatives. Recently, a group from Johor came over to learn from us.”

Reflecting on the state’s progress, the Premier remarked, “Sekarang Sarawak ajar orang, dulu, kita minta orang ajar sama kita,” (Now, Sarawak teaches others; before, we asked others to teach us).

He highlighted this as an example of the importance of technological advancement.

Abang Johari also shared insights from his recent visit to Batang Ai, where he explored the effectiveness of solar energy.

“The water bodies in Batang Ai cover 8,500 hectares. We experimented with floating solar panels covering only three percent of the area and produced 50 megawatts. I calculated that if we cover 60 percent, we could produce 2,000 megawatts.

“This is just from Batang Ai Dam. We haven’t even included Murum Dam, Baleh Dam and Bakun Dam. We must harness this strength and share it with others.”

The Premier emphasized Sarawak’s potential as an energy hub.

“We are going to export our energy to Singapore, up to a maximum of one gigawatt. Once you have energy, it becomes an economic engine, attracting investment,” he pointed out.

Abang Johari expressed gratitude for Sarawak’s natural resources.

“We have water, rainfall, forests, and sun. It’s just a matter of managing our strengths to mitigate carbon emissions. Hydrogen, derived from water, is the cleanest energy for the future.”

He also highlighted efforts to train Sarawakians and attract foreign students to explore new hydrogen production technologies.

“When I introduced hydrogen as a fuel substitute, people doubted me. They said, ‘No country uses hydrogen, but Sarawak wants to.’ It was a challenge for my team and me,” he said.

He recounted a breakthrough in hydrogen production costs. Initially, producing one kg of hydrogen required 60 kilowatts of energy. Collaboration with a scientist from Petronas, Dr Colin Patrick from Sri Aman, innovated the process, reducing the energy requirement to 30 kilowatts.

“In regions lacking water, such as deserts, we have an advantage. What we need is technology, and we are becoming a hydrogen production centre in this region,” Abang Johari asserted.