Goh Pei Pei & Alexandra Lorna
KUCHING: A five-hectare algae production facility to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) waste stream from Sejingkat Coal Power Station to grow algae in a carbon circular economy is expected to be launched in February next year
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the project was a collaboration between the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre, SEB, Chitose Laboratory and ENEOS Corporation.
The industrial scale microalgae production facility, he said, would enable Sarawak to achieve greener and cleaner coal power generation.
“Simultaneously, it creates downstream opportunities across various sectors through reduction of CO2 emissions via carbon capture and utilisation,” he said when delivering his winding up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today (Dec 1).
Abang Johari said algae cultivation or farming for biofuels would be mainly carried out by the SEDC Energy, together with PETRONAS Research Sdn Bhd.
He said advancements in research and modern technologies were now able to rapidly grow algae and extract its oil to be converted into biofuels for energy, while taking advantage of the other components in algae such as proteins, carbohydrates, and nutrients.
“In 2019, I launched a 1,000 square metre algae facility at Sarawak Biodiversity Centre for research and to test the growing of algae outdoors.
“Research in producing algae-based renewable biofuel is part of Sarawak’s efforts to develop its Sustainable Green Agenda, particularly green energy.
“This, I think, is an important step as we aim to use various technologies to produce algae biomass on a large scale. When algae are grown, carbon is absorbed, and therefore it can be used as carbon capture and storage technology,” he added.
Abang Johari said he would explore more of the state’s natural resources and monetize these resources responsibly and sustainably to increase investment, business and job opportunities for the people, this included nature-based solutions to diversify the state’s sources of revenue stream for current and future consumption.
All the new economic initiatives, he said, were meant to diversify Sarawak’s economic base for the creation of more investment, new businesses and job opportunities for the people to increase their income and livelihood.
He added that the initiatives were based on Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, which was important for Sarawak to attract more foreign investment to the state as it was a prerequisite by the international community for any investment decisions.
“This has put Sarawak on the global map,” he said.
“As recognition for our initiatives, I have been invited to share our initiatives in many renowned international platforms this year such as World Hydrogen Summit, Rotterdam, Japan Time to Act Forum and Singapore International Energy Week,” he added.
