KUCHING: Sarawak is to emulate Brunei in supplying hydrogen to countries that use it as fuel such as Japan and South Korea.
The state government, on May 25, launched the testing and operation of its pilot integrated hydrogen production plant and refuelling station project, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia.
The construction and operation of the hydrogen plant and refuelling station was carried out by Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) in partnership with Linde EOX Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Linde Malaysia.
Subsequently, the state government introduced three hydrogen buses on a trial run for commuters around the city, an initiative to introduce an eco-friendly public transport.
SEB strategy and corporate development executive vice-president Ting Ching Zung said on Dec 12 that the hydrogen development is not only meant to cater to the local transport sector but also to enable Sarawak to become a global hydrogen exporter.
“This pilot project was started as a way for us (SEB and Linde EOX) to collect the relevant data in an effort to develop renewable energy (hydrogen).
“The next step is to raise public awareness on the use of hydrogen gas as fuel on a large scale before we move on to the next phase,” he said during a media visit to the hydrogen plant and refuelling station in Bintawa here.
Ting described hydrogen as the fuel of the future as consumers would eventually no longer need to rely on carbon-based fuel sources.
Presently, the plant is capable of producing 130 kg of hydrogen a day at a purity level of 99.999% and is capable of supporting and refuelling up to five cell buses.
Sarawak has allocated RM16 mil for the implementation of the integrated hydrogen production plant and refuelling station, including for hydrogen-related research and development purposes. – Bernama
