JUN 2024
Sarawak Launches Asean's First Electrolyser Assembly Facility
KUCHING, June 6 – Sarawak has inaugurated its first electrolyser assembly facility, SEA-DF, at Demak Laut Industrial Park. The facility, a joint venture between SEDC Energy (SEDCE) and Lestari H2Gaas, a new subsidiary of PETRONAS, represents a significant leap forward in home-grown technology and clean energy production.
By the end of the year, the facility is expected to ship three lots overseas, with additional orders already in the pipeline. The advanced equipment produced here is set to make a substantial impact in the new energy industry, marking Sarawak as a key player in the global clean energy market.
During today's launch, Premier Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasized the facility's importance. "I think it is the first in ASEAN to produce electrolysers, which is an important component in producing hydrogen in our pursuit of the green economy," he stated.
"This collaboration is something that will benefit mankind, not only for Sarawak but also for the whole world because we have a duty to cool down our planet so that everybody is able to breathe clean air."
Abang Johari also addressed misconceptions circulating in Peninsular Malaysia regarding Sarawak's relationship with PETRONAS.
"This (SEA-DF facility) reflects the collaboration of PETRONAS and Sarawak. You know, a lot of write-ups in Peninsular Malaysia say that Sarawak is grabbing the business of PETRONAS. We are not," he clarified.
"PETRONAS and Petros are partners in the oil and gas industry. But of course, when I do my part in oil and gas, I look also at the rights that we have in our laws. We have to operate within the legal parameter of our laws."
He assured the audience of the strong partnership between PETRONAS and Sarawak, highlighting the benefits of their collaboration.
"PETRONAS is a partner to Petros. PETRONAS is a partner to Sarawak. And today, this facility is the result of the collaboration between PETRONAS and SEDC Energy," he added.
The facility will deliver advanced and efficient electrolysers, capable of utilizing less than 40 kilowatt-hours (kWhr) to produce one kilogram of hydrogen, setting a new industry benchmark.
The event also featured the exchange of six significant documents related to new energy development in Sarawak and Malaysia. These included:
- A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SEDCE and UOB Malaysia to support Sarawak's sustainable economic growth.
- An MoU between SEDCE and ILS Company for integrating SEDCE's Hydrogen fuel cell trucks into ILS' logistics operation.
- A Supply Agreement between SEDCE and Hydrexia Sdn Bhd for the supply of green hydrogen for export and the domestic market.
- A Letter of Understanding for the supply of electrolysers between Hydrexia, Lestari H2GaaS Sdn Bhd, and Peric Hydrogen Technologies Company.
- A Letter of Intent for potential collaboration on solar photovoltaic and hydrogen production technologies between SEDCE, LHSB, and Solarvest Holdings.
- A Letter of Intent for developing welding capability and industrial training between LHSB and the Automotive and Welding Institute of Sarawak (Awisar).
Also present at the event were Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi, SEDC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Hussein, PETRONAS senior vice president Datuk Bacho Pilong, SEDCE Chief Executive Officer Robert Hardin, and LHSB Executive Officer Collin Patrick.