The Sarawak government, through the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability, has received a prestigious study grant from South Korea’s Ministry of Economy and Finance.
Announced by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, this grant aims to facilitate the development of the Sarawak Hydrogen Roadmap, a comprehensive blueprint for the state’s hydrogen energy potential.
The partnership between Sarawak and South Korea signifies a strategic move to harness hydrogen energy. The Sarawak Hydrogen Roadmap will cover several critical areas: technological advancements, infrastructure development, and regulatory frameworks. This roadmap aims to position Sarawak as a leader in the hydrogen economy, emphasizing economic growth, job creation, and environmental stewardship.
Premier Abang Johari highlighted the importance of this collaboration at the Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen (APGH) Conference and Exhibition 2024, held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK). He stressed that the partnership with South Korea is a pivotal step towards Sarawak’s energy transition and climate goals.
Sarawak’s ambition is to advance its leadership in the hydrogen economy by partnering with international players to explore innovative strategies for hydrogen production and utilization. The collaboration with South Korea is part of a broader initiative to decarbonize, leveraging Sarawak’s abundant feedstock to produce hydrogen for export to Korea.
The roadmap is expected to catalyze technological transfer and knowledge exchange, enabling Sarawak to benefit from the expertise of established players in the hydrogen sector. This will advance local capacity and innovation, crucial for developing the hydrogen economy.
Key collaborations include partnerships between Sarawak Energy and Linde, SEDC Energy with Sumitomo Corporation, Eneos Corporation, Samsung Engineering, Korean National Oil Company, Lotte, and Gentari. These alliances highlight Sarawak’s proactive approach to integrating hydrogen into its new economy and sustainable energy future.
Comparing Sarawak’s initiatives with global benchmarks reveals the ambitious nature of the project. Countries like Japan and Germany have made significant strides in hydrogen technology and infrastructure, setting high standards for emerging hydrogen economies. Sarawak’s strategic partnerships and technological investments aim to position it alongside these leaders.
The Sarawak Hydrogen Roadmap, supported by the South Korean grant, represents a significant step towards developing a sustainable hydrogen economy. By leveraging international partnerships and focusing on technological advancements and infrastructure development, Sarawak aims to become a key player in the global hydrogen market. However, addressing the technological, infrastructural, and economic challenges will be critical to realizing this vision.
