KUCHING: Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) has set up a team to conduct a RM5 million feasibility study on the use of hydrogen and fuel cells in the state. The team is led by SEB’s Chief Executive Officer, Sharbini Suhaili. Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg, revealed this during a press conference at SEB here yesterday.
Johari said the feasibility study would form an integral part of the government’s new emphasis to develop the state, leveraging on research and development in order to achieve its Vision 2030 goals. “The findings and recommendations from this study will be shared with the Research Council,” said the Chief Minister, adding that with its abundant clean hydroelectric power resources, Sarawak provided an ideal setting for enabling the hydrogen economy.
“We are taking pioneering steps to explore the commercial and public applications of hydrogen and fuel cell technology with this study, “It is hoped that hydrogen can be the primary fuel of choice for areas such as the transportation sector and energy storage as the technology matures and becomes commercially attractive in the future,” he said. Johari also pointed out that Sarawak aspired to transform its public transportation sector with clean and green technologies.
“Hydrogen and fuel cell technology isknown to be clean since water is the only by-product in the process of producing electricity, “If we are successful in applying this technology, particularly in the transportation sector, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuel and lower our carbon footprints so that our people will be able to enjoy modern and efficient public transportation with minimal impact on the environment, “This will also contribute to Malaysia’s commitment towards reducing CO2 emission intensity by 45 per cent by 2030. Hydrogen and fuel cell technology can be a critical element in helping to realise this ambitious target, “Sarawak can play a pivotal role in developing this technology that will alter the energy utilisation landscape in the country and propel our economy forward,” said Johari. He pointed out that if the research was successful, it would benefit not just the state but open up potential opportunities for Sarawak to export to global markets.
Meanwhile, SEB Chairman, Datuk Amar Abdul Hamed Sepawi said it was an honour for the company to be given the trust by the state government to lead the research initiative.
“Hydrogen and fuel cells can complement hydropower and extend the use of this alternative energy source in other applications such as the transportation sector, “Under the guidance of Sharbini, we are taking this pioneering step through this feasibility study to access the potential and viability of a hydrogen economy in Sarawak, “The year ahead will be a challenging one for the team but I am confident it will deliver the mission and the Board and I look forward to the report,” said Hamed.
Also present at the press conference were Minister of Utilities, Datuk Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, State Secretary, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani and SEB’s Chief Executive Officer, Sharbini Suhaili.
