BY TANIA LAM & SARAH HAFIZAH CHANDRA
KUCHING: Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) through its subsidiary, SEDC Energy Sdn Bhd inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with its strategic partners from Japan, Sumitomo Corporation and ENEOS for the development of Bintulu Hydrogen Plant.
The virtual MoU signing ceremony was witnessed by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg today at Grand Margherita Hotel, here.
He applauded SEDC’s efforts in paving the way for Sarawak to venture further into the hydrogen economy agenda.
“I would like to congratulate SEDC for this milestone. Sumitomo and ENEOS are their first strategic partners in the development of Sarawak’s very own hydrogen plant in Bintulu. Today’s MoU is just nice because the large-scale hydrogen production facility in Bintulu is expected for completion in 2023.
“I admire SEDC’s unwavering spirit and determination in making our state as one of the leading renewable green energy producer in our country. Let us work together to add value to our resources and at the same time, upgrade our talents in a new world and era,” he said.
Meanwhile, SEDC chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Husain opined that the MoU is a significant step in defining the roles for the development of the hydrogen production plant in Petrochemical Park.
“This is indeed a special occasion because it is a significant step which will define each party’s roles in regard to the techno-commercial study for the development of a hydrogen production plant. It will also enable the parties to gain mutual benefits especially in the development of the hydrogen economy in Sarawak.
“We are optimistic that the strategic partnership will facilitate our role in realising the mandate that had been entrusted to us by the chief minister. It has the potential to generate good investments for our state and the country as a whole while creating more jobs for fellow Sarawakians in the near future,” he said.
Sumitomo executive officer and general manager (Energy Division), Hajime Mori said that the endeavour will be able to contribute to the society by producing green hydrogen that are environmentally friendly.
“We have been engaging with SEDC since November 2019 with strong supports from the Sarawak’s state government. Based on the preliminary studies that we’ve conducted, we became confident that Bintulu is one of the best locations to produce green hydrogen,” he said.
At the same time, ENEOS senior vice president and managing executive officer, Miyata Tomohide said that they agreed to enter the MoU following the strong support shown from the Sarawak government.
“Hydrogen will be the green energy of the future. We have been working on hydrogen energy for many years through research and development (R&D),” he added.
Also present were Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian; Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and State Secretary Datuk Amar Jaul Samion.
