13-05-2025
Sarawak poised to become regional hydrogen hub
(From left) Lee, Chieng, Endoh, and Protasova during the forum discussion at H2EF. – Photo by Aileen Yap
KUCHING (May 13): Sarawak has all the right ingredients to become a regional hydrogen hub, with Bintulu Port poised to play a key role in exporting green hydrogen to international markets.
Deloitte Partner Ryan Chieng said Sarawak's strategic location, abundant renewable energy, and proactive government support place it in a strong position to develop a full-fledged hydrogen ecosystem, comparable to the Hydrogen Valley in Amsterdam.
'Sarawak is very blessed with cheap hydropower, and we are also very blessed that we have a far-sighted government where all the ecosystems are already or going to be in place bit by bit,' he said during forum discussion at the Hydrogen Economy Forum (H2EF) 2025 here today.
The H2EF 2025 logo.
The forum discussion, titled 'Hydrogen in Transit: Challenges & Breakthroughs,' featured Chieng, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. Chief Country Representative Junto, Hexagon Purus Export Sales Director Yulia Protasova, and moderator as well as Curtin University Malaysia Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Vincent Lee,
Chieng also noted that Bintulu Port, currently a major gateway for liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, could be leveraged and enhanced to support large-scale hydrogen logistics, positioning Sarawak as a critical node in the global green energy supply chain.
Highlighting the importance of parallel development, Chieng noted that infrastructure, policy, and demand must grow in tandem for hydrogen adoption to succeed.
'We need to build the demand and the infrastructure side by side. Without one, the other can't take off,' he said, adding that Sarawak is already ahead of many jurisdictions in this regard.
Lee pointed out that Sarawak's existing logistics and energy assets, including its hydropower plants, road networks, and port access, offer a clear pathway to becoming a full-fledged hydrogen economy.
'We have the key components, now it's about integration,' he remarked.
As for Endoh, he acknowledged Japan's pioneering efforts in methanization but emphasised that Sarawak has a significant advantage in terms of cost competitiveness and cleaner energy.
'Maybe this answer should be replied to by Japanese trading houses, but from the shipping industry's perspective, we are eager to engage as both buyers and transporters of hydrogen.
'Japan has been exploring hydrogen production, but the reality is that Japan's energy costs are much higher due to reliance on imports and longer delivery distances.
'Sarawak, with its abundant hydropower and cleaner energy sources, has a real advantage,' he said.
Endoh added that while Japan is a key player in hydrogen technology, Sarawak's energy resources could make it a more cost-effective and sustainable source of fuel in the long term.
'As a fuel buyer, we are keeping a close eye on Sarawak's developments,' he said. green hydrogen Hydrogen Economy Forum hydrogen hub Ryan Chieng
