KUCHING: Sarawak is moving towards a low carbon future with renewable hydrogen and green society.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the journey towards net zero carbon emission requires Sarawak to focus on clean energy solutions to capture opportunities in the energy transition.
Sarawak, he said, was well positioned to capture this new growth opportunity and create an energy transition towards safe, responsible and cost effective emissions.
“I am optimistic that Sarawak is able to chart its way forward confidently under its Gas Distribution Blueprint to further spur development in the oil and gas industry, upstream and downstream – particularly with the exemption of Sarawak from the Gas Distribution Act and given full authority under its Gas Distribution Ordinance,” he said.
Abang Johari was speaking at the closing ceremony of the Sarawak Oil & Gas Services and Equipment or OGSE Roadshow 2022 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.
Sarawak, he said, positioned herself as an attractive investment destination driven by the private sector where energy plays a key role in this development.
“Therefore, it is critical for us to ensure long term sustainability of our energy source,” he said.
With growing concern and urgency in tackling climate change, he said, the global energy landscape was witnessing a major transformation towards affordable, reliable, and clean energy.
“For this reason, there is no choice between protecting the environment and growing the economy,” he said.
Abang Johari also pointed out that with the recent passing of the amendments to the Land Code, Sarawak now has a good start to regulate Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) activities within its territory.
CCUS, he said, wass based on proven technologies with the element of capture, transport and storage. CCUS plays a key role in the energy transition space. It was essential for decarbonisation of the hydrocarbon portfolios and heavy industries.
“I have explored what Shell has to offer in the CCUS technology space during my recent visit to Shell’s Energy Transition Campus in Amsterdam.
“I believe this is one of the fields that we can capitalise and explore further with close collaboration between government, industry and investors,” he said.
The Premier stressed that the provision of sustainable energy was prerequisite to sustainable economic and social development.
Abang Johari also witnessed the signing of the heads of agreement for Sarawak Integrated Sour Gas Evacuation System (SISGES) project; among the leading oil and gas players, namely Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), Sarawak Shell Bhd and PTTEP HK Offshore Limited – a project to ensure a sustainable gas supply for both industry and domestic market.
Also present at the closing ceremony were Minister in Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) Datouk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation (MPRC) Chairman Datuk Dr Ahmad Suhaili Idrus, Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) Chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr. Hamid Bugo and SEDC Chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Datuk Husain.
