KUCHING, Jan 15: Sarawak is undergoing a transformative journey in the energy sector, exemplified by H2ornbill and H2biscus projects.
The projects expected to commence operations in 2027 and generate a staggering RM2.4 billion in revenue by 2030, signal a promising future for the state’s hydrogen economy.
This ambitious leap into the hydrogen sector, led by Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, aims to position the state as a key player in global sustainable energy.
However, a recent hiccup during Abang Johari’s recent keynote address at the Premier’s 2024 Mandate has left many puzzled.
Amidst the promising trajectory towards a hydrogen-powered future, the absence of the SEDC Energy logo in the crucial slide has cast a shadow over the state’s energy sector, raising questions about how such confusion could transpire at such a critical juncture, even at the highest level of execution.
Sarawak, in collaboration with Japan’s Sumitomo Corp and Eneos, through SEDC Energy is spearheading the H2ornbill project. The initiative involves large-scale production of green hydrogen with a total capacity of 88 kilo-tonnes per annum (kTPA) for local use and the Methylcyclohexane (MCH) Facility.
SEDC Energy is also joining forces with three South Korean giants – Samsung Engineering, Posco, and Lotte Chemicals – for the H2biscus project. This venture aims to produce 7,000 tonnes per year of green hydrogen for domestic use, along with substantial volumes of blue ammonia, green ammonia, and green methanol for export.
The confusion reached its peak when slides, prepared by the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) attributed Sarawak Energy, rather than SEDC Energy, as the principal overseer of the H2biscus project.
EPU director Datu Lester Matthew when contacted later clarified that both mega projects fall under SEDC Energy.
“Both should be SEDC Energy,” he asserted.
In addition to these hydrogen ventures, SEDC Energy is integral to the development of six flagship stations across Sarawak, including the development of the region’s first public hydrogen refueling station for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles.
Plans also include smaller multifuel stations equipped with EV charging and conventional fuels, aiming to exceed 100 stations across Sarawak to meet the growing demand.
The logo controversy has introduced an unforeseen dimension to Sarawak’s ambitious hydrogen plans, casting a shadow on the precision of the communication strategy in delineating the state’s role in the unfolding hydrogen sector narrative.
This incident has inadvertently shed negative light on SEDC Energy, the company entrusted to oversee the hydrogen sector, particularly among its international partners.
