Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC)’s subsidiary, SEDC Energy Sdn Bhd (SEDCE), and Gentari Hydrogen Sdn Bhd have formalized a joint venture to develop the Sarawak H2 Hub, a large-scale hydrogen production facility in Bintulu.
The partnership, celebrated at the Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen 2024 Conference & Exhibition, aims to position Sarawak as a major player in the global hydrogen economy. However, a critical examination reveals both the potential and the challenges this ambitious project entails.
The Sarawak H2 Hub is envisioned as a centralized facility for standardizing and optimizing hydrogen production projects in Bintulu. It will also serve as the sole supplier of green hydrogen to downstream facilities in the region. The project’s “plug and play” modular approach is innovative, allowing for the integration of various hydrogen production units with pre-developed common utilities and ancillary services.
This collaboration includes notable projects such as Project H2ornbill, in partnership with Japanese firms ENEOS and Sumitomo Corp, and Project H2biscus, in partnership with South Korean firms Samsung Engineering, Lotte Chemical, and KNOC. These projects aim to establish hydrogen derivative facilities, further expanding Sarawak’s hydrogen economy.
The joint venture aims to make Sarawak a commercial hydrogen producer by 2027, aligning with SEDCE’s mandate to drive the new energy ecosystem in the region. This goal supports Gentari’s vision of becoming Asia Pacific’s most valued clean energy solutions partner by 2030. However, achieving this milestone requires overcoming significant challenges, including technological, financial, and infrastructural hurdles.
For Sarawak to succeed as a hydrogen hub, continuous investment in research and development is crucial. Europe, for instance, has recognized the need for substantial funding to stay competitive in the hydrogen sector. Sarawak must follow suit, ensuring adequate resources are allocated to advance hydrogen technologies and infrastructure.
Furthermore, policy support and regulatory frameworks play a pivotal role in facilitating the growth of the hydrogen economy. Collaboration between government bodies, industry stakeholders, and research institutions is essential to create a conducive environment for innovation and investment.
