DISEMBER 2024
Sarawak Advances Green Economy With Strategic Partnership With Italy In Renewable Energy
KUCHING, Dec 2 – Sarawak is reinforcing its commitment to combating climate change by adopting innovative renewable energy solutions, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr.) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg announced at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Acacia Power Sdn Bhd and Italy’s NextChem SpA at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre (HEEC)
The Premier highlighted Sarawak’s emphasis on green economy initiatives, renewable energy adoption, and sustainable development to address the global climate crisis. “Climate change is a serious issue. Every nation acknowledges that if temperatures exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, our survival is at risk. This is a global problem, and Sarawak, though a small emerging economy, is committed to contributing through our resources and innovations,” he said.
Sarawak’s renewable energy efforts include hydropower, solar energy, and exploration of hydrogen technologies. “Solar costs have decreased by 80% over the past decade, making it more viable. Meanwhile, hydrogen, once considered too expensive, could become a practical solution as advancements in electrolyzer technology drive down costs. The International Energy Agency predicts a 50% reduction in hydrogen costs by 2030,” Abang Johari explained.
He also shared a futuristic vision of hydrogen-powered vehicles, inspired by recent technological advancements: “In the future, cars may run on water using micro-electrolyzers to split hydrogen, with vapor emissions that cool the atmosphere. Even innovators like Elon Musk are now transitioning from electric vehicles to hydrogen-powered systems.”
Beyond renewable energy, Sarawak is leveraging its natural resources to embrace a circular economy. “We are cultivating renewable plantations like acacia, which mature in three to four years, to produce biomass. Additionally, we export napier grass, harvested every three months, for energy production as grass pellets,” he said.
The MoU signing between Acacia Power and NextChem SpA marks a significant milestone in Sarawak’s green economy strategy. “This collaboration combines Sarawak’s expertise in sustainable agriculture with Italy’s advanced renewable technologies, paving the way for innovative solutions to global climate challenges,” Abang Johari added.
Also present at the ceremony were His Excellency Dr. Massimo Rustico, Ambassador of Italy to Malaysia; Datuk Amar Tan Sri (Dr.) Haji Abdul Aziz Dato Haji Husain, Director of Acacia Power Sdn Bhd; Dato Sri Dr. Muhammad Abdullah Haji Zaidel, Deputy State Secretary of Sarawak; Mr. Giovanni Sale, Corporate and Business Strategy Senior Vice President of NextChem SpA; and Dr. Luciano Giorgi, Regions Business Development Senior Advisor of NextChem SpA.