JUN 2023
Sarawak Harnesses New Energy Sources For A Sustainable Future
KUCHING, 13 June - In an effort to promote renewable energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, Sarawak is exploring new sources of green energy such as solar power, bioenergy, and microalgae cultivation, Sarawak’s Premier, Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg said today.
The Premier spoke of the potential of these alternative energy sources and the significant achievements made thus far by Sarawak.
He said this in his keynote address at the opening of the 5th International Energy Week at Borneo Convention Center Kuching, here, today.
Premier Abang Johari expressed enthusiasm about utilizing this natural resource, stating, with an abundance of lakes, rivers, and year-round sunshine, Sarawak possesses the ideal conditions for harnessing solar power.
"Sarawak boasts potential in solar and bioenergy. Sarawak has abundant lakes and rivers and enjoys sunshine throughout the year, which can be harnessed to generate solar power,"he said.
Moreover, he emphasized the potential of biomaterials, saying that, the cultivation of biomaterials, which may be transformed into various forms of energy, is made possible by Sarawak's abundant land resources. This presents an opportunity to reduce carbon footprint and foster a more sustainable energy sector.
"Sarawak also has large amounts of land for the cultivation of biomaterial that can also be utilized to generate electricity, heat, bio-fuels, biogas and bio-hydrogen,” he said.
Highlighting the promising developments in microalgae cultivation, Abang Johari described it as a renewable source that can offer a sustainable solution without competing with food sources.
He mentioned the recent launch of the Sejingkat Power Algae Pilot Plant, the largest algae farm globally designed to absorb carbon. He revealed plans to expand algae cultivation to 1,000 acres, projecting an annual production of approximately 500,000 tonnes of crude algae oil or renewable oil.
“I announced plans to scale up the cultivation of algae to 1,000 acres that can produce about 500,000 tonnes per annum of crude algae oil or renewable oil according to our scientists. That can be equated to about 10,000 barrels of oil per day with about 37% extraction rate of crude algae oil from the algae biomass,” he said.
Premier Abang Johari expressed optimism about the future, stating, "One day, we may not have to look for oil offshore or onshore. Instead, we can have our 'farmers' grow oil more sustainably."
He highlighted the cost advantages of green oil, adding, the unit cost per barrel is currently below USD50 when sold to a biorefinery, and it could potentially fetch around USD110 per barrel due to its environmentally friendly nature.
In the realm of green hydrogen, Sarawak's Bintulu Green Hydrogen Hub is set to become a world-scale benchmark project. Premier Abang Johari announced that collaboration among SEDC Energy and a consortium of global multinationals, including Sumitomo, ENEOS, Samsung Engineering, Lotte Chemicals, Posco, and Petronas (via Gentari), has progressed successfully.
The feasibility studies for two mega hydrogen plants have been completed, and the projects are expected to move into the Front End-Engineering Design (FEED) stage soon.
“Following on the project planning, the final investment decision is expected to be in Q2 2025 for H2ornbill Train and Q1 2024 for H2biscus Train. Both facilities are expected to be operationalized in 2027. Other than producing Green Hydrogen, the plant will also create new Hydrogen-based industries such as the manufacturing of electrolyzer, fuel cells and the Green Chemicals industry,”
Apart from the Bintulu Hydrogen Projects, SEDC Energy is also developing the Rembus Hydrogen Production Plant and Refueling Station to support the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) Project. The completion of the Rembus Hydrogen Plant is scheduled for 2025, showcasing Sarawak's commitment to integrating hydrogen-based industries into its transportation infrastructure.
Sarawak's emphasis on new energy sources signals a promising future for sustainable development in the region. With ambitious plans and significant investments, the state aims to lead the way in renewable energy and contribute to a greener, more sustainable world.
Following the opening ceremony, Premier Abang Johari witnessed the signing of the Project Development Agreement for the H2biscus project in Sarawak. The agreement was signed between Lotte Chemical, Samsung Engineering, SEDC Energy, KNOC (Korea National Oil Corporation), and POSCO Holdings. This collaboration highlights the growing interest and commitment of international corporations to invest in Sarawak’s green energy projects. -Sarawakku
Sumber dari : Sarawakku