SARAWAK is exploring the production of alternative aviation fuels such as Sustainable Aviation (SAF).
(SAF is a biofuel used to power aircraft that has similar properties to conventional jet fuel but with a smaller carbon footprint.)
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg pointed out that SAF could be the key to sustainable air travel in the transition to low carbon fuel in the industry.
He said Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) is collaborating with Airbus and Rolls Royce through Aerospace Malaysia Innovation Centre (AMIC) to undertake research and development on green hydrogen and fuel cell as future aviation fuel in Demak, Kuching.
“Meanwhile, Sarawak Energy Berhad and Sarawak Biodiversity Centre are undertaking proof of concept (POC) on the utilisation of algae as biofuels to complement our quest in the hydrogen economy,” he said this during his ministerial speech today.
On hydrogen economy, Abang Johari stressed that it was crucial to actively shape Sarawak hydrogen market through the entire value chain so that the state was not left behind.
He said Sarawak would create an ideal ecosystem for hydrogen economy in order to be a pioneer in Asia Pacific to explore, innovate, and produce green hydrogen.
“Hydrogen is an essential component of a net zero energy system for deep decarbonization that is required to meet the current climate targets and limit the temperature increase below 2 degrees Celsius.
“The global hydrogen market is picking up speed and recently, the Hydrogen Council estimated that approximately 520 projects were gaining momentum around the world. Globally, USD160 billion of direct private investments have been created until 2030, and more than USD400 billion additional private investments have been made to realise government targets and commitments.
“Therefore, we must spur investments in integrated hydrogen facilities and infrastructure. I believe this may bring down hydrogen production costs and will stimulate demand for hydrogen,” he said.
Abang Johari also revealed that SEDC had partnered with Samsung Engineering, POSCO and Lotte Chemical from South Korea to develop an environmentally friendly hydrogen and green ammonia plant in Bintulu.
“Once completed, the plant will produce 630,000 metric tonnes of green ammonia, 600,000 metric tonnes of blue ammonia, 220,000 metric tonnes of green hydrogen, of which 7,000 metric tonnes will be for domestic use and the rest will be exported to South Korea.
“This new development will further diversify Sarawak’s exports, besides the traditional oil and gas exports,” he added.
