S'wak will ensure clear rules to help gas industry grow, says Abang Jo
KUCHING: Sarawak will ensure regulatory clarity and stability to enable the growth of the gas industry in the state, says Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
He said the state's legislative and executive authority over gas distribution had been confirmed in the joint declaration signed with the Federal Government on May 21, removing any perceived regulatory uncertainty.
ALSO READ: Gas distribution, supply players in Sarawak must have state licence, says minister
The joint declaration affirmed that all federal and state laws relating to gas distribution must be respected by all persons undertaking the supply and distribution of gas in Sarawak. It also acknowledged state-owned Petros as Sarawak's gas aggregator.
Abang Johari said the state government planned to increase gas production for sustainable use by industries and the production of clean energy.
"These efforts will provide ample investment opportunities in the upstream, midstream and downstream activities for both foreign and local investors.
"Such opportunities include the development of carbon capture and storage (CCS) sites to realise the values of our huge potential gas reserves located in the waters off western Sarawak, to secure sufficient supply for the Kuching low-carbon gas hub currently being planned," he told the state assembly in his winding-up speech on Wednesday (May 28).
ALSO READ: Petros gains federal nod
Abang Johari said the planned projects would increase Sarawak's gross domestic product (GDP) by RM120bil and create 185,000 high-income jobs.
He said Petros, as the gas aggregator and resource manager, would play a central role in upgrading and expanding gas distribution infrastructure.
"This will ensure adequate gas supply for industrial and household usage, as well as developing CCS sites to support these industrial needs at the Kuching low-carbon gas hub," he added.
ALSO READ: Joint declaration with Putrajaya allows Sarawak to exempt PETRONAS from licensing requirements, says Abang Johari
The Premier also said Sarawak was developing a renewable energy hub, natural gas hub, hydrogen hub and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) hub to ensure energy security for the state.
He said the hubs would be supported by comprehensive policies such as the Sarawak hydrogen economy roadmap, Sarawak sustainability blueprint, Sarawak energy transition policy and Sarawak energy efficiency roadmap.
"These policies are projected to unlock investment opportunities worth between RM350bil and RM430bil.
"They are also estimated to create approximately 44,000 new high-value energy sector jobs for anak-anak Sarawak," he said.
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