Latest news with #UtilisationandStorage
Observer
3 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Oman advances CO₂, green hydrogen pipeline studies
MUSCAT: OQ Gas Networks (OQGN), the majority state-owned natural gas pipeline operator, has announced significant progress in its mandate to roll out dedicated pipelines for green hydrogen and carbon dioxide (CO₂), in support of Oman's energy transition strategy. Publicly traded OQGN — part of Oman's integrated energy group OQ — stated in its newly issued 2024 Sustainability Report that its initiatives are aligned with national strategies to develop new low-carbon industries focused on green hydrogen production and Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) technologies, both of which are key to Oman's Net-Zero 2050 targets. This commitment aligns with OQGN's designation as a National Champion for Green Hydrogen and CO₂ Transportation, conferred by Hydrom, the state-run architect of Oman's green hydrogen industry. 'We are (...) actively exploring opportunities in hydrogen and carbon capture infrastructure, aligning with global energy trends shaping the future of our industry', said Mansoor al Abdali, CEO of OQGN. 'Looking ahead, we are poised to play a central role in Oman's energy future. As we invest in network expansion, digitalisation and decarbonisation initiatives, we remain aligned with Oman Vision 2040 and its sustainability goals', he added in the CEO's Message. In 2024, OQGN began working closely with key industry stakeholders to establish itself as 'the partner of choice for hydrogen and CO₂ pipeline transportation'. As part of this ambition, the company initiated collaborations with CCUS developers to create commercial-scale projects that address CO₂ transportation needs. 'We also launched detailed feasibility studies focused on establishing the technical, commercial and regulatory aspects of the pipeline networks', the company stated. Furthermore, in collaboration with Hydrom, OQGN has been leveraging its extensive pipeline expertise in the development of Oman's hydrogen and CO₂ transportation infrastructure. Central to this initiative is a vision for an open-access pipeline connecting green hydrogen production blocks (powered by wind and solar) with derivative plants located along the coast for efficient processing and export. 'This hydrogen pipeline network is being developed in coordination with Hydrom's planned projects in Al Duqm, Salalah and Al Jazir. As domestic demand for low-carbon hydrogen grows, the network will expand to serve industrial clusters in northern and eastern Oman', OQGN noted. 'In an additional step, an open-access CO₂ pipeline network will also link emission sources to sinks. As natural gas demand declines, stranded natural gas pipelines may be repurposed and recommissioned as part of the green hydrogen transportation network', the company added. According to OQGN, a comprehensive long-term Decarbonisation Strategy is currently in place to accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the company. 'The strategy drives us towards the goal of Net-Zero by 2050, with ambitious interim targets: a 42% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 and 82% by 2040. These milestones have been set with consideration for emerging technologies, evolving regulations, shifting stakeholder expectations and our investment strategy — while also balancing urgency with feasibility', it stated.
Borneo Post
30-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sarawak must harness natural, technical strengths to tackle climate crisis, says deputy minister
Dr Hazland (centre) receives a memento from Misnu witnessed by Dr Abdul Rahman (second left), Mual (right) and Zaidi. – Photo by Matthew Umpang KUCHING (July 30): Sarawak must fully harness its abundant natural resources to balance climate change mitigation with economic development, said State Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni. 'Sarawak is blessed by Allah Ta'ala with both nature-based and technical-based solutions for climate change mitigation. 'It would not be very smart for Sarawak not to capitalise on all these natural resources that have been entrusted to us,' he said during the closing ceremony of the 'International Seminar on Humanity and Climate Change Crisis: A Multidimensional Perspective' at the Islamic Complex Hall here today. The seminar was jointly organised by the Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) and Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM) and aimed to explore the intersection between faith, science and sustainable development amid the global climate crisis. Dr Hazland spoke about Sarawak's vast carbon storage potential through its forests and depleted oil wells, which could store up to 10 billion tonnes of carbon — including an estimated one billion tonnes from its land-based carbon sinks and a further nine billion tonnes from offshore storage through Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) technology. 'Our forests, mangroves, and peatlands cover 62 per cent of Sarawak's 12.5 million-hectare landmass, which is equivalent in size to Peninsular Malaysia or England,' he said. With major hydroelectric dams such as Batang Ai, Murum, Bakun, and the ongoing Balleh project serving as a foundation for the state's green energy drive, he commented that Sarawak's rivers have also been key to its clean energy initiatives. He also praised the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, calling him the 'chief caliphah' driving Sarawak's transformation. 'This is the turning point. Our leaders recognised the value of hydroelectricity even in the 1970s. Now, we are expanding that with floating solar panels and renewable hydrogen development. 'Our Premier has the vision and courage to explore uncharted waters. With our natural and technical resources, we can pursue our dream of balancing sustainability and economic growth,' he said. He cited the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 as a roadmap guiding this transformation upon three pillars—economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, and social inclusivity. Meanwhile, Dr Hazland also touched on the state's four-pronged framework for achieving its green goals, comprising regulatory, technical, financial, and human resource components. He thus encouraged all stakeholders, including religious and academic institutions, to support the state's efforts by integrating environmental ethics and spirituality into education and policymaking. 'From legal frameworks to green financing, from technology partnerships to human capital development, all are in place. Our Green Economy Policy, Hydrogen Economy Roadmap, and Sustainability Roadmap are already being implemented,' he said. 'This seminar (for example) should not be the end of the discussion. Let it be a launchpad for further collaboration, community outreach and bold policy decisions,' he said. Also present at the ceremony were Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Project Coordination for Regional Development Agencies, DBKU and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, MIS president Datuk Misnu Taha, Sarawak Islamic Religious Department director Mual Suaud and IKIM deputy director-general Mohd Zaidi Ismail. Dr Hazland Abang Hipni economic development natural resources
The Star
05-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Ahead of Sabah polls, Armizan urges continued local leadership in state govt
KOTA KINABALU: With the Sabah state election drawing closer, a federal minister from Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has made a clear pitch — the state must continue to be led by local parties to ensure that its interests are not diluted in national politics. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, who is also Papar MP and Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) vice-president, said having local parties at the helm of the state government ensures that Sabah's voice is protected and respected, particularly in negotiations with the Federal Government. Speaking in Tenom during the Melalap PGRS' annual conference, Armizan said the successful amendment of the Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Act 2025 — which only applies to Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan for now — is a direct outcome of this local-federal power balance. 'At first, the law was meant for the whole country. But the Cabinet amended it after listening to Sabah and Sarawak — both led by local coalitions. That's the power of inter-governmental negotiation, not intra-party compromise,' he said. Armizan said this outcome was only possible because the current Federal Government, led by Pakatan Harapan, was willing to uphold the constitutional recognition of Sabah and Sarawak's special position under the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). 'This is why it's important that the core of the Federal Government remains national, while the core of the state government stays local. It creates the right platform for state-level interests to be defended through formal government-to-government engagement,' he said. He contrasted this with the Territorial Sea Act (TSA) 2012, which limits state control of territorial waters to just three nautical miles — legislation passed when both federal and state governments were dominated by the same national party. 'Some of the loudest critics of the TSA today were in government when it was passed. They were ministers, MPs — and they said nothing then,' he said. Armizan noted that almost all Sabah MPs in 2012 belonged to national parties and were bound by centralised coalition decisions, leaving them little room to dissent or represent Sabah's unique position. 'These are historical records — party and leader decisions — that cannot be erased,' he said. While Sabah does not reject national parties — with Pakatan Harapan representatives also serving in the state government — Armizan stressed that local parties must remain the foundation. 'It's about making sure Sabah's priorities stay front and centre, always discussed government to government, not party to party,' he added.
Borneo Post
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Armizan: CCUS Act shows why Sabah needs strong local party leadership
Armizan with delegates of the PGRS Melalap division during the annual conference. TENOM (July 5): The enactment of the Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Act 2025, which applies only to Peninsular Malaysia, underscores the importance of having a strong local party as the backbone of the Sabah State Government, said Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) deputy secretary Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali. Speaking at the official opening of the PGRS Melalap division's annual conference here on Saturday, Armizan reminded delegates that safeguarding Sabah's rights requires a careful balance between national and local political forces. 'It is crucial to ensure that local parties form the core of the State Government. This guarantees that Federal-State relations are inter-governmental in nature — not merely intra-party,' he said. Citing the recent passage of the CCUS Act 2025, Armizan said the law initially sought nationwide implementation. 'But the Federal Cabinet later agreed to limit its application to only Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan after hearing the views of the Sabah Government led by GRS, and the Sarawak Government led by GPS,' he explained. He attributed the decision to a Federal leadership that respects Sabah and Sarawak's special positions under the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), and that is open to constructive engagement with the two State Governments. 'This is the benefit of having a different core at each level of government. The Federal Government is led by a national coalition, while the State Government is anchored by local parties. This setup ensures state interests are debated government-to-government—not lost in internal party politics,' he said. Armizan contrasted this with the Territorial Sea Act (TSA) 2012, which restricts Sabah's territorial waters to just three nautical miles. 'Today, some leaders are vocal in opposing the TSA 2012. But where were they then? Some were Members of Parliament and even Federal ministers when the Bill was passed in 2012,' he said in a Facebook post. He pointed out that the Sabah Government under GRS has consistently maintained that the TSA 2012 does not apply to Sabah, as it was never tabled or passed in the State Legislative Assembly. 'This is the historical record of certain parties and leaders. They cannot erase it. They must explain why they only now choose to speak up,' he added. Armizan said two key factors explain the difference in outcomes between the TSA 2012 and the CCUS Act 2025: 1. In 2012, both the Federal and State Governments were dominated by the same national party. 2. In 2025, Sabah's State Government is led by a local party, while the Federal Government remains nationally focused. He also noted that nearly every Sabah MP in 2012 was part of a national coalition and bound by its decisions, including how to vote in Parliament. Armizan clarified that Sabah does not reject national parties entirely, pointing out that the current State Government still includes representatives from Pakatan Harapan (PH). 'But what matters is that the core must remain local to keep Sabah's interests at the forefront. Only then can issues affecting the State be resolved through true government-to-government engagement, not just internal party discussions,' he said.
Borneo Post
29-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak unveils ambitious Sustainability Blueprint 2030 to lead Southeast Asia's green transition
Abang Johari (centre) shows the Sustainability Blueprint 2030 booklet while others look on. KUCHING (May 29): Sarawak has positioned itself as a regional leader in climate action with the launch of its Sustainability Blueprint 2030, a comprehensive roadmap aimed at accelerating the state's transition to a low-carbon, green economy. Unveiled by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during the Asia Carbon Conference 2025 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today, the blueprint outlines 10 strategic thrusts, 48 strategies, and 111 actionable plans to guide the state's environmental and economic transformation. It was developed by the State Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability. 'Sarawak is determined to lead Malaysia and the region in climate action and sustainable development,' Abang Johari said in his keynote address. He highlighted Sarawak's significant progress in renewable energy development, noting that hydropower now accounts for 70 per cent of the state's energy mix. This shift has enabled Sarawak to cut its grid carbon emissions by 72 per cent since 2010 – well ahead of its 2030 targets. He also pointed to the state's growing hydrogen economy and the deployment of solar and mini-hydro solutions for rural electrification, along with rising adoption of electric vehicles. He cited the Sarawak Methanol Complex, launched in 2024 and already exporting, as a key driver of green industrial growth. On carbon management, Sarawak is developing four carbon capture and storage (CCS) sites by 2030, with Petros spearheading the state's Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) strategy. The recently enacted Environment (Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Emission) Ordinance 2023, effective since March, mandates GHG reporting and lays the foundation for carbon levies and emissions trading. Additionally, Sarawak is working with the World Bank to establish a Carbon Levy framework and finalising a comprehensive Carbon Plan to support a regulated, investor-friendly carbon market. Sarawak's commitment to biodiversity was also emphasised. The state has launched a Biodiversity Masterplan, integrated conservation into development planning, and enabled biofuel production using palm oil waste. Seven forestry carbon study permits have been issued, with one nature-based carbon project licensed and six more under review. Sarawak also aims to publish a full greenhouse gas inventory by 2027 to benchmark emissions against a carbon budget. 'This is not just Sarawak's carbon journey as this is our contribution to the planet and future generations,' said Abang Johari. With Malaysia chairing Asean this year 2025, Sarawak is positioning itself as a regional model for green development. Abang Johari called on local and international partners to collaborate on sustainable projects, reaffirming Sarawak's openness to investment and cooperation. 'Sarawak is open for business, and more importantly, Sarawak is open for collaboration. 'This is not just Sarawak's carbon journey as this is our contribution to the planet and future generations,' he said. The Asia Carbon Conference (ACC), which runs from May 29-30 at the BCCK, provides a critical platform for discussions on carbon pricing, CCS, nature-based solutions, policy frameworks, and green investment opportunities. abang johari Sustainability Blueprint 2030
