13-05-2025
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
