KUCHING: Sarawak is set to make a significant stride in the clean energy sector by establishing its own Centre of Excellence for Clean Energy, a pioneering initiative in Southeast Asia.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the centre will be a hub of innovation, research and development, bringing together scientists, engineers, policymakers and industry leaders to pioneer cutting-edge technologies in harnessing renewable resources.
He said that it will drive advancements in clean energy domains such as hydrogen, hydroelectric, solar energy, biomass and other emerging forms, focusing on sustainable solutions that address present needs while safeguarding the well-being of future generations.
“The Centre of Excellence is a policy we have formulated to collaborate with the private sector, industry and our partners, ensuring we receive the right input for effective policy implementation.
“At the same time, the outputs of our researchers will be consolidated within this centre, enabling us to move forward.
“Additionally, all chemical reaction data (in producing clean energy) will be managed and stored within the Centre of Excellence,” he said.
He told the media this after officiating at the launching ceremony of Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen Conference and Exhibition (APGH) 2024 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
Abang Johari stressed that Sarawak intends to explore the emerging field of natural hydrogen reservoirs.
As such, he said that he has encouraged PETROS to partner with local universities to study the potentials of natural hydrogen within and off the state’s shores.
In addition to this, Abang Johari stated that Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) Energy was collaborating with Curve H2 Inc., a Canada-based company, to explore new opportunities in hydrogen production.
“Natural gas, playing a dominant role worldwide as a transition fuel, has the potential to be the feedstock for low-carbon hydrogen production.
“Through gasification technology, the potential of producing low-carbon hydrogen or blue hydrogen from natural gas offers a lucrative new economic opportunity for Sarawak, as this technology can also potentially generate solid carbon as a byproduct,” he said.
