Sarawak to set up 2 new hydrogen plants by 2027; large-scale production for domestic and export use, key to sustainable energy mix
Sanjay · Sep 8, 2023 10:37 AM
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Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg has announced that two significant manufacturing projects in Bintulu, Sarawak, will lay the foundation for Sarawak's green hydrogen economy, reports Malay Mail.
The projects in question, H2biscus and H2ornbill, are expected to be operational in the Bintulu Petchem Industrial Park by 2027, and among the key results are identifying Japan and Singapore as potential export markets.
The state government was the earliest to embrace hydrogen technology. Seen here is the Premier refuelling the Hyundai Nexo with hydrogen
Abang Johari stated that the H2biscus project anticipates generating an annual production of 7,000 tonnesof green hydrogen for domestic consumption, along with 600,000 tonnesof blue ammonia, 630,000 tonnes of green ammonia, and 460,000 tonnes of green methanol for export, according to New Sarawak Tribune's report.
These traffic light of colours can be better understood this way: green products are produced using renewable energy sources, while blueammonia is made through emissions (carbon dioxide, in this case) captured during its production.
Ultimately, these are fuels that can be used in transport, agriculture, and machinery.
Sarawak Economic Development Corporation's subsidiary, SEDC Energy, is spearheading these endeavours. Collaborating with three South Korean giants – Samsung Engineering, Posco, and Lotte Chemicals – these companies will actively engage in the entire H2biscus project cycle, from direct investment and construction to transportation and utilisation.
Furthermore, SEDC Energy is partnering with Japanese firms Sumitomo Corporation and Eneos to develop the H2ornbill project, aimed at large-scale green hydrogen production.
The hydrogen fuel cell ART protoype testing in Kuching
Premier Abang Johari highlighted the vast potential of the hydrogen economy, stating that SEDC Energy is concurrently developing a hydrogen production plant and refueling station to support the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project. The Rembus-based hydrogen production plant in Kota Samarahan is projected to be completed by 2025.
The KUTS project, which carries a price tag of RM 6 billion, aims to introduce a hydrogen-powered autonomous rapid transit (ART) system, combining elements of trains, buses, and trams. Phase 1 of KUTS ART will span the Samarahan and Serian lines, covering a total distance of 53km in southern Sarawak.
Hydrogen as a path to low-carbon economy
Sarawak's hydrogen buses, in use since 2019, is one of its kind in South East Asia
Meanwhile, he also emphasised on the state government's commitment to explore hydrogen energy as a transit to a low-carbon economy, stating that it can be used in healthcare to transportation.
“Under our green energy agenda, we are exploring several ways to decarbonise the state transport system and further transition towards a low carbon economy that already has predominantly green electricity as a pillar,” said the Premier.
A closer look at the ChitoseCarbon Capture Central Sarawak facility
On the carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) front, Sarawak has made legislative advancements to comply with modern environmental sustainability practices. Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) received the first license for carbon storage in March.
Moreover, Sarawak Energy, in collaboration with Chitose Group, Eneos, and Sarawak Biodiversity Centre, had earlier launched the Chitose Carbon Capture Central Sarawak, the state's inaugural industrial microalgae production facility.
More clean energy going forward
Bakun Dam in Sarawak
The Premier clarified that Sarawak has no plans to construct new coal power plants, with the Balingian coal-fired power plant, commissioned in 2021, being the last. Older coal plants are also undergoing decommissioning, starting with the Sejingkat unit. Nevertheless, the state intends to maintain thermal plants in its energy generation mix for energy security.
Regarding hydropower, studies have identified 20,000 MW of hydro potential in Sarawak, with 12 prospective hydropower sites. The fourth hydroelectric project in Baleh, boasting a capacity of 1,285 MW, is under construction and expected to be completed by the end of the decade.
Another of the state's hydrogen filling station
Premier Abang Johari outlined three key targets for Sarawak's electricity sector in the next decade: maintaining at least 60% renewable energy capacity mix by 2030, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 600,000 tonnes per year through electrifying Sarawak's mobility fleet, and achieving over 15% income from foreign markets, including power exports.
Sarawak's inaugural floating solar farm at the Batang Ai hydroelectric plant is set to be commissioned in 2024, marking another milestone in the state's sustainable energy journey.
With humble beginnings collecting diecast models and spending hours virtually tuning dream cars on the computer, his love of cars has delightfully transformed into a career. Sanjay enjoys how the same passion for cars transcends boundaries and brings people together.
