KUCHING, Nov 7 — State-owned power provider Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) will spearhead a RM5 million feasibility study on hydrogen and fuel cell applications in the state, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg said today.
He said the research into hydrogen and fuel cells will form an integral part of the state government’s new emphasis to develop the state, leveraging on research and development towards reaching Vision 2030 goals.
“With abundant clean hydroelectric power resources, Sarawak provides an ideal setting for enabling the hydrogen economy in the state,” he told reporters at a press conference to announce the research for hydrogen and fuel cells feasibility study.
He said the results of the study is expected to be known within three or four years’ time.
The chief minister said the findings and recommendations from the study will be shared with a Sarawak Research Council, which is in the process of being formed.
“This will guide us in further decision-making in regard to the adoption of hydrogen and fuel cell technology,” he said, adding Sarawak is taking a pioneering step to explore the commercial and public application of hydrogen and fuel cell technology.
“It is hoped that hydrogen could be the primary fuel of choice for areas such as transportation sector and energy storage as the technology matures and becomes attractive in future,” he said.
He said if Sarawak is successful in applying this technology, particularly in the transportation sector, it could reduce its reliance on fossil fuel and lower its carbon footprint with minimal impact on the environment.
SEB chairman Datuk Amar Hamed Sepawi said that SEB has already formed a team consisting of its own local experts to conduct the feasibility study.
“We are taking this pioneering step through this study to assess the potential and viability of the hydrogen economy in Sarawak,” he said.
