KUCHING: InvestSarawak has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japan’s Marubeni Corporation to delve further into producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Sarawak.
The MoU signing ceremony was witnessed by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building on today.
According to a InvestSarawak press statement, the agency comes under the purview of the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment, that serves as the One-Stop-Centre dedicated to attracting investments that align with Sarawak’s vision for 2030 in sustainability and growth.
“Today’s MoU outlines the collaboration between InvestSarawak and Marubeni Corporation to conduct a joint pre-feasibility study (Pre-FS) for a commercial-scale SAF value chain in Sarawak.
“The goal is to confirm the feasibility of producing SAF using biomass feedstock and assess the potential technology pathways for SAF production in Sarawak.
“Both parties aim to establish a commercial-scale SAF value chain for local consumption or export by 2030,” it said.
Meanwhile, according to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of InvestSarawak, Timothy Ong, the agency is excited to embark on the journey with Marubeni Corporation.
“Their extensive experience and global network will be instrumental in realising Sarawak’s ambition to be a global player in the sustainable aviation fuel market,” said Ong.
Marubeni’s Energy & Infrastructure Solution Group CEO Yoshiaki Yokota, said Marubeni is honoured to collaborate with InvestSarawak on the project.
“We are committed to leveraging our expertise and resources to create a successful SAF value chain in Sarawak, which will contribute to decarbonising the aviation industry,” he said.
Marubeni, with over 60 years of presence in Malaysia and a market capitalisation of 3.4 trillion yen (as of 31st March 2023), brings significant expertise and technical capability to the project.
The New Energy Business Development Department in Marubeni’s Energy & Infrastructure Solution Group will lead the SAF project.
The strategic goals include supplying the growing demand in the airline sector, contributing to Sarawak’s Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 by establishing the region as a global player in SAF supply and supporting Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap in decarbonising the aviation sector.
The MoU will focus on investigating biomass feedstock availability, technology pathways, and market demand; assessing expenditure requirements; identifying suitable project sites; and exploring opportunities for government subsidies and incentives in Malaysia and globally.
