Latest news with #HydrogenEconomyForum2025
New Straits Times
13-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Abang Johari launches Sarawak Hydrogen Economy Roadmap
KUCHING: Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg today launched the Sarawak Hydrogen Economy Roadmap — a strategic guide that will drive the state's hydrogen agenda through 2035 and beyond. He said the roadmap will serve as a compass that was designed to navigate both opportunities and challenges as the state accelerated transformation into a regionally recognised clean hydrogen powerhouse. "While we have made impressive strides, the journey is far from over," he said in his keynote address at the Hydrogen Economy Forum 2025 here. He said that scaling hydrogen to commercial levels required massive capital investment, advanced technology, skilled talent, and long-term policy stability. He outlined the state's ambition to become a regional and global leader in the hydrogen economy by leveraging its abundant natural resources and growing expertise in clean energy technologies. "Sarawak is not merely adapting to the future, we are shaping it," he said in his address to an audience comprising government leaders, industry players and energy experts. He emphasised that the forum marked a crucial milestone in Sarawak's journey towards building a sustainable and resilient energy future. He presented a comprehensive strategy based on four key pillars: renewable energy, natural gas, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and hydrogen. He said these pillars would guide the state's efforts to diversify its energy mix while driving decarbonisation. On renewable energy, Abang Johari highlighted Sarawak's strengths in hydropower, solar and biomass, noting its capacity to export electricity to West Kalimantan and plans to expand exports to Sabah, Brunei, Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. "Sarawak controls nearly 60 per cent of Malaysia's natural gas reserves and is committed to utilising this resource wisely to support both domestic needs and export-driven industrial growth," he said. "Our leadership in carbon capture and storage is also significant, with the state holding over 65 per cent of the nation's geological storage potential as a key asset in our national decarbonisation initiatives," he added. On hydrogen, the premier recalled that Sarawak began investing in green hydrogen as early as 2017, adding: "Today, it leads major projects such as H2ornbill and H2biscus, both progressing towards completion of their Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) by the end of the year." He announced the establishment of a dedicated hydrogen hub in Kuching to accelerate research, development and investment in this emerging sector, positioning Sarawak at the centre of hydrogen innovation in Southeast Asia. The premier also referred to the Distribution of Gas (Amendment) Ordinance, passed on November 11, 2024, and enforced on March 1, 2025, which provided a clear legal framework for regulating hydrogen-related activities in Sarawak, including provisions for enforcement, safety and sustainability. He further revealed plans to launch the Sarawak Hydrogen Economy Roadmap, describing it as a strategic compass to guide the state's development and aspirations to become a global leader in clean hydrogen by 2035. Abang Johari expressed optimism that ongoing technological breakthroughs would continue to reduce production costs. He acknowledged Sarawak's collaboration with Petronas, through which the energy required to produce one kilogram of hydrogen has been successfully reduced from 60kW to just 38kW. He noted the applications of hydrogen in Sarawak's public transport sector, including hydrogen-powered buses and ongoing test of the Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART) system.
Barnama
13-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Sarawak To Finalise Hydrogen Industry Regulations, Guidelines By Year-end
GENERAL KUCHING, May 13 (Bernama) -- Sarawak is working to ensure that regulations and guidelines for the state's hydrogen industry are finalised by the end of this year. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that efforts are currently being undertaken by the state's Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability. 'This regulatory clarity will provide confidence to investors, operators and the public alike - ensuring that the hydrogen economy develops in a safe, structured and sustainable manner,' he said in his speech at the Hydrogen Economy Forum 2025, here, today. Abang Johari said that as hydrogen projects continue to expand across Sarawak, the state has taken a bold step to ensure the safe and responsible development of this emerging industry. He said that on Nov 11, 2024, Sarawak made history by passing the Distribution of Gas (Amendment) Ordinance, which now includes provisions specifically dedicated to regulating hydrogen-related activities. 'This amendment, among other things, includes the development, generation, distribution and use of hydrogen, as part of our clean energy transition. It introduces new offences and penalties related to hydrogen activities, and empowers the government to impose relevant rates, levies or charges on hydrogen operations. 'I am pleased to share that this ordinance came into force on March 1, 2025, and the state Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability has been entrusted to oversee its implementation,' he said. Abang Johari also said that, in recognising the critical role of clean energy, Sarawak launched the state Hydrogen Hub early last year, further reinforcing its commitment to the energy transition. 'Our flagship large-scale green hydrogen initiatives - the H2ornbill and H2biscus projects - are progressing well, and are expected to complete their Front-End Engineering Design by the end of this year.
Borneo Post
13-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak takes centre stage as Hydrogen Economy Forum 2025 opens today
Dr Hazland delivering his opening remarks. – photo by Aileen Yap KUCHING (May 13): Sarawak is taking centre stage in the global hydrogen agenda with bold ambition and strategic clarity as the Hydrogen Economy Forum (H2EF) 2025 kicks off today, calling for international collaboration, innovation, and climate action. Sarawak Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, who is also H2EF 2025 chairperson, said the forum marks a pivotal moment as the world grapples with the twin forces of climate crisis and rapid technological change. 'Hydrogen has emerged not just as an alternative energy source, but as a transformative solution. 'It is changing the way we think about energy — how we produce it, how we store it and how we utilise it. 'Its potential to fuel cleaner, more resilient and more inclusive economies is extraordinary, and we are only just beginning,' he said during his opening speech at a hotel here today. Dr Hazland highlighted Sarawak's strategic advantages — its vast landmass, rich biodiversity, and abundant hydropower potential — as key factors in its emergence as a regional hydrogen hub. He noted that 62 per cent of the state's 12.5 million hectares remain forested, with more than 300 rivers offering untapped opportunities for renewable energy development, including floating solar projects with a projected potential of up to three gigawatts. Dr Hazland credited Sarawak's leadership under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for its bold vision and political will to explore green technologies through the state's Post-covid Development Strategy 2030 and four-pronged policy framework — covering legal, technical, financial, and human resources talent development. 'This forum is more than a conference. It is a platform for ambition, collaboration, and action. 'Sarawak is ready to lead, to partner, and to shape a sustainable hydrogen future,' he added. H2EF 2025 is jointly organised by the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Sarawak (MEESty), the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Malaysia (Mosti), and Borneo Business Connect, with the support of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak). The two-day forum features high-level dialogues, cross-border partnerships, and in-depth sessions on hydrogen production, financing, policy frameworks, certification, and global logistics. Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni Hydrogen Economy Forum 2025 lead
Borneo Post
11-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak gears up to lead SE Asia's hydrogen future
Ahead of the upcoming Hydrogen Economy Forum 2025, Dr Hazland reaffirmed Sarawak's commitment to advancing green hydrogen as a key pillar of its energy transition strategy. KUCHING (May 11): As global momentum builds toward clean energy solutions, Sarawak is positioning itself at the forefront of Southeast Asia's hydrogen economy. Ahead of the upcoming Hydrogen Economy Forum 2025, Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni reaffirmed Sarawak's commitment to advancing green hydrogen as a key pillar of its energy transition strategy. 'We are in the best position now, able to learn from others and as well benchmark ourselves with the best,' he said. Question: Sarawak has been a pioneer in Southeast Asia's green hydrogen development. Can you share the Sarawak government's latest milestones and how these align with Sarawak's broader energy transition goals? Dr Hazland: Indeed, Sarawak has made significant strides in the field of green hydrogen development. We are a new player, no doubt, but we are in the best position to learn from others, and we are able to benchmark ourselves with the best. This aligns perfectly with our broader energy transition goals by not only reducing carbon emissions but also enhancing energy security and creating sustainable jobs. Furthermore, we are investing in research and development programs to improve hydrogen production efficiency and storage technologies. Our collaboration with various academic institutions and industry partners has led to innovative pilot projects and feasibility studies that are paving the way for scaling up hydrogen production. These initiatives reflect our commitment to a sustainable energy future and position Sarawak as a regional leader in the green hydrogen sector. Q: What key outcomes or collaborations does Sarawak hope to achieve through the Hydrogen Economy Forum 2025, and how do these support regional and global hydrogen ambitions? Dr Hazland: The Hydrogen Economy Forum 2025 presents a unique platform for forging impactful collaborations and sharing knowledge. Our goal is to establish strategic partnerships with both local and international stakeholders, including government agencies, research institutions, and private enterprises. Key outcomes we aspire to achieve include the signing of joint ventures focused on hydrogen technology development, investment agreements for infrastructure projects, and the establishment of knowledge-sharing initiatives. By fostering these collaborations, we aim to contribute not only to Sarawak's hydrogen ambitions but also to regional and global efforts to transition toward a cleaner energy system. We envision Sarawak becoming a key player in the hydrogen supply chain, contributing to Asean's energy security and environmental sustainability. Q: As the Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, what is your vision for Sarawak's role in shaping a sustainable hydrogen economy, and what message would you like to convey to potential investors and international partners? Dr Hazland: Our government's vision for Sarawak is to become a leading hub for sustainable hydrogen production and innovation, leveraging our abundant natural resources and commitment to environmental stewardship. We aspire to integrate hydrogen into our overall energy mix, enabling us to meet both local energy needs and export surpluses to nearby regional markets. With our government's establishment of the Sarawak Hydrogen Economy Roadmap, we want to actualise our goals into workable and conducive partnerships. To potential investors and international partners, our message is clear: Sarawak is open for business. We offer a conducive regulatory environment, access to renewable energy resources, and a proactive government ready to support innovative projects. We invite you to join us on this exciting journey to not only foster economic growth but also to contribute to a sustainable future for generations to come. Together, we can accelerate the transition to a hydrogen economy that benefits not just our region, but the entire planet. H2EF 2025 is jointly organised by the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Sarawak, Borneo Business Connect, with the support of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) and the federal government through the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Malaysia (MOSTI), which also serves as a co-organiser. The forum serves as a strategic platform to accelerate Southeast Asia's transition to a hydrogen economy, aligning closely with the Hydrogen Economy & Technology Roadmap (HETR) and National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). Sarawak welcomes stakeholders from across the globe to be part of its journey toward a sustainable and hydrogen-powered future. The Hydrogen Economy Forum (H2EF) will be on May 13-14 at the Hilton Kuching. For delegate registration, contact the secretariat at +6082 555 189. Dr Hazland Abang Hipni h2ef lead
