SARAWAK Economic Development Corporation (SEDC)’s subsidiary SEDC Energy Sdn Bhd (SEDCE) and Gentari Hydrogen have formalised a joint venture to develop Sarawak H2 Hub, a global-scale hydrogen production hub in Bintulu.
The establishment of the joint venture was formalised in a document exchange ceremony at the Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen 2024 Conference & Exhibition in Kuching today (June 10), witnessed by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The new company will serve as the sole vehicle to undertake the development, construction, ownership, operation and maintenance, and control of the Sarawak H2 Hub, including investing in the hydrogen production trains within the hub.
The Sarawak H2 Hub will be a facility for standardising and optimising all hydrogen production projects in the Bintulu area, besides operating as the sole supplier of green hydrogen for downstream facilities in the region.
The hub adopts a unique “plug and play” concept, utilising a modular approach to integrate hydrogen production units into the hub where common utilities and ancillary services are pre-developed.
Project H2ornbill, in collaboration with Japanese firms ENEOS and Sumitomo Corp and Project H2biscus, a partnership with South Korean firms Samsung Engineering, Lotte Chemical and KNOC to establish hydrogen derivative facilities, are set to be part of the Sarawak H2 Hub.
The partnership marks a significant milestone in realising the state’s ambition to expand the use of cleaner energy, supporting the goal of becoming a commercial hydrogen producer by 2027 and a key player in the hydrogen economy.
This aligns with SEDCE’s mandate to drive the new energy ecosystem in Sarawak and Gentari’s vision to be Asia Pacific’s most valued clean energy solutions partner by 2030.
“Gentari is proud to be a strategic partner to SEDC Energy in advancing the transition to a low-carbon future, in line with Sarawak’s clean energy ambitions and Malaysia’s Hydrogen Economy and Technology Roadmap,” said Gentari chief hydrogen officer Michèle Azalbert.
“Leveraging our collective expertise, this joint venture aims to establish Sarawak as a key player in the green hydrogen sector, creating substantial economic value for the state by driving the entry of new industries and investments, creating new high-value jobs, and spurring technological innovation through the provision of green feedstock for downstream facilities such as chemicals production.”
Meanwhile, SEDC Energy CEO Robert Hardin said this partnership will propel Sarawak into the H2 production hub for the region.
“With the ‘plug and play’ concept, we can also invite more investors or partners into Sarawak,” he stated.
“From here onwards, it will be an uphill task for us all, but I believe the challenge will make us more resilient and ready for the larger challenges that come ahead of us.
“With this my hope is to drive the new energy economy for Sarawak and Malaysia to the next level.” – June 10, 2024
