KUCHING: The Sarawak government is on the right track to ensure environmental sustainability while the state continues to progress by developing and producing green hydrogen gas as a new energy source.
Chief Minister Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said this also supports Sarawak's long-term environmental vision which aims to reduce carbon emissions and to tackle climate change.
He said the state government has introduced various green energy initiatives, including hydrogen production and the construction of more multi-fuel refuelling stations in major towns and highways.
"Climate change is a global issue and Sarawak – despite being merely a state – wants to play its part to protect and manage the environment properly.
"We want to produce hydrogen as our new energy source, which is clean and environmentally-friendly. It will help reduce carbon emissions," he said.
Abang Johari said it is crucial to ensure the sustainability of the state's resources to meet the environmental, social and economic needs.
The Chief Minister was speaking at the ground breaking ceremony of the second multi-fuel refuelling station in Kuching, at MJC Batu Kawah, here, today. The first station is located in Darul Hana, Kuching – which is expected to be completed in one year.
The stations would be built by SEDC Energy, a subsidiary of Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and operated by state-owned Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros).
Abang Johari said the multi-fuel refuelling station will cater to vehicles powered by conventional fossil fuels such as petrol and diesel, and those powered by electricity or hydrogen. Petros Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) will also be made available.
"Sarawak is rich in water resources; therefore, we have chosen to produce hydrogen gas (which is produced from water). We have the resources and we only need the technology and knowledge to conduct the electrolysis process to produce the gas – which is a clean energy source."
He said although at the initial stage, the process would be quite costly, he predicted that it will become more affordable over time.
Sarawak, he said, has also attracted interest for green hydrogen production, including investors from Japan, Korea and Australia.
"So, we are confident that we are on the right track to ensure environmental sustainability, which is also in line with the Sarawak Post Covid-19 Strategy 2030," he said.