SARAWAK, through its oil and gas company PETROS, plans to increase its domestic gas utilization from the current 6 per cent to 30 per cent by 2030, as part of a larger strategy to harness the state’s natural gas resources for socio-economic transformation.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg highlighted that the Sarawak Gas Roadmap, launched in 2019, is a 10-year strategy aimed at maximizing domestic gas usage by promoting gas-based infrastructure development and spurring industrial growth through value-added activities.
“As the roadmap progresses and PETROS fully operationalises its role as gas aggregator, Sarawak will be positioned as a key economic powerhouse within Malaysia and the region,” he said. Abang Johari made the announcement during the second reading of the Sarawak Budget 2025 at the third session of the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) today.
Abang Johari also announced the forthcoming completion of the Sarawak Energy Transition Policy (SET-P), a comprehensive plan aimed at ensuring a secure, equitable, and clean energy future for Sarawak by 2050. The SET-P targets four key sectors — power, transportation, industry, and buildings — and adopts a multi-dimensional strategy that integrates policy, regulation, technology, infrastructure, and community engagement.
The transition will be driven by eight energy pillars:
- Renewable Energy (RE);
- Hydrogen;
- Energy efficiency;
- Green mobility;
- Synthetic fuels;
- Bioenergy;
- Natural gas; and
- Carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS).
In the power sector, the SET-P sets a target of achieving 10 gigawatts of generation capacity by 2030 while maintaining a grid carbon emission intensity of 0.17 tonnes of CO2 per megawatt-hour. The capacity mix will comprise approximately 60 per cent renewable energy, sourced primarily from hydroelectric dams, along with natural gas, solar, and bioenergy.
Abang Johari outlined the Sarawak Hydrogen Economy Roadmap, a strategy that leverages the state’s wealth of renewable energy resources, natural gas reserves, and carbon storage capacity.
Sarawak has established itself as a major player in Southeast Asia’s hydrogen economy, attracting substantial foreign direct investments totalling USD4.3 billion, largely from Japan and South Korea.
The recent establishment of the Sarawak Hydrogen Hub in Bintulu is expected to attract further foreign investors to support clean hydrogen production and its downstream value chain.
As part of Sarawak’s vision to become a regional hub for space technology, the state government is formulating a Sarawak Aerospace Industry Development Roadmap.
This roadmap will focus on sustainable growth and technological advancement in the space sector, covering key areas such as regulatory and policy frameworks, research and development, infrastructure development, workforce training, and collaborations with international aerospace players.
“The roadmap will include essential elements like governance frameworks, R&D, infrastructure, skills training, and partnerships with other countries and aerospace industry leaders,” Abang Johari said.
With these initiatives, Sarawak is setting a strategic course to strengthen its economic competitiveness, advance clean energy leadership, and position itself as an emerging hub in the aerospace sector.
