Sarawak Energy building pilot hydrogen production plant, refuelling station
KUCHING: Sarawak Energy is building a pilot hydrogen production plant and refuelling station here to evaluate the viability of hydrogen and fuel cells to power Sarawak’s transportation sector in the future.
Scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2019, the pilot facility will be built next to Sarawak Energy’s Western Region Office at Jalan Belian here and will be the first dedicated for transportation in Southeast Asia.
Sarawak Energy chairman Datuk Amar Hamed Sepawi said with this ground- breaking pilot facility, the utility company’s focus for now is to enhance its knowledge in this area.
“Over the past decade, Sarawak Energy has transformed into a vertically integrated power utility and energy development company with regional aspirations. We have been entrusted by Sarawak to spearhead green energy related research, of which hydrogen and fuel cells application could potentially play a significant role.
“While we may still have a long journey ahead of us, today’s ( yesterday) earth- breaking ceremony marks a significant milestone for Sarawak,” he said at the earth- breaking ceremony for the pilot facility which was officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at Sarawak Energy’s Western Region Office here yesterday.
He pointed out that the hydrogen production plant and refuelling station is designed to be automated thus requiring minimal manpower operation.
“In line with the strong emphasis on health, safety and environment ( HSE) throughout our organisation, safety features have been well-incorporated into the plant design.”
Sarawak Energy is building the facility in partnership with Linde Malaysia, part of the global Linde Group and a leading industrial gas supplier in Malaysia.
The two corporations signed a memorandum of understanding ( MoU), which was witnessed by Abang Johari, to explore potential markets for hydrogen, and to undertake a joint technical study to assess the technology of the whole value chain.
Signing on behalf of Sarawak Energy was its group chief executive officer Sharbini Suhaili while Linde Malaysia was represented by its South Asia and Asean regional managing director Rob Hughes.
Hughes described the partnership with Sarawak Energy as a testament of a team ready to embrace the sustainable agenda on a greater scale.
“Linde is proud to be partnering with Sarawak Energy in this project, contributing our knowledge and expertise as a pioneer in the entire hydrogen value chain.
“Linde has worked with partners in delivering around 150 hydrogen fuelling stations around the world and the success is now extending its focus to Asia,” he said.
Among those present at the ceremony were Utilities Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Assistant Minister of Water Supply Datuk Liwan Lagang and Assistant Minister of Rural Electricity Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi.