Sarawak is advancing its position as a regional leader in green energy through a pilot hydrogen export project and strategic international partnerships, Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said.
The state is currently testing the export of solid-form hydrogen to Singapore using magnesium hydride technology, allowing safer and more efficient transportation before the hydrogen is liquefied for use.
“We started hydrogen production with a small-scale plant, despite high initial costs. However, similar to computer technology becoming cheaper over time, hydrogen production costs are expected to decline with advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI),” he said during a dialogue at the Sustainability and Renewable Energy Forum (SAREF 4.0) today.
On international collaboration, Abang Johari said Sarawak is working closely with countries such as Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates to advance hydrogen and renewable energy technology.
“Together with Japan, we plan to produce 100,000 tonnes of hydrogen annually, with 90,000 tonnes exported to Japan and the remainder for domestic use,” he noted.
Collaboration with South Korea includes developing renewable energy using Sarawak’s rich natural gas reserves, which can be converted into green ammonia, an increasingly recognised alternative fuel.
“Sarawak is also conducting joint energy research in the United Kingdom and cooperating with the United States on advanced energy technology,” he added.
SAREF 4.0 forms part of Malaysia’s official ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 programme, highlighting Sarawak’s pivotal role as a catalyst for regional energy cooperation.
