BY ALEXANDRA LORNA & SARAH HAFIZAH CHANDRA
KUCHING: Sarawak is currently Malaysia’s largest provider of renewable energy for a population of almost three million across Sarawak and West Kalimatan, Indonesia.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stated that 70 per cent of the total generation mix is from Sarawak’s hydropower resources which can be harnessed to produce low carbon hydrogen.
“This provides an ideal setting for enabling the hydrogen economy in Sarawak. Hence, hydrogen research study was initiated as a pioneering step to explore, innovate and produce green hydrogen as a solution for the commercial and public application of hydrogen and fuel cell technology.
“The need for clean energy alternatives to reduce the impact of climate change encourages us to look at hydrogen as a potential new energy carrier. Hydrogen is now viewed by governments and industries as a viable alternative to the traditional fossil fuel-based energy industrie.”
He said this in his keynote address at the Borneo International Water and Wastewater Exhibition and Conference (BIWWEC) 2022 at Imperial Hotel on Today (Oct 18).
Commenting on the BIWWEC 2022, Abang Johari stated that water and wastewater management was at the core of sustainable development.
This is because it is critical for socio-economic development, healthy ecosystems and for human survival.
He said it is vital for reducing the diversion of global resources to stem the spread of water-borne diseases, improve the health, welfare and productivity of populations.
“Industry is a major water consumer and wastewater discharger. Many businesses are now using some of their ‘process water’ for cooling or heating and using rainwater for toilet flushing, irrigation or vehicle washing,” he said.
Elaborating further, he said there were many treatment processes and operational systems that use wastewater in municipal activities, sustainable agriculture, energy production and industrial development.
He said the positive impacts on water quality and supply by increasing wastewater recycling and safe reuse would drive progress in public health, environmental sustainability and economic development by providing new business opportunities and creating more ‘green’ job.
“Wastewater is a valuable source of both water and nutrient content for crops, contributing to water and food security as well as livelihood improvements.
“Improved wastewater management can improve the health of agricultural workers by reducing the risk of pathogen exposure,” he said.
