The Sarawak Energy will form a team to spearhead a feasibility study on hydrogen and fuel cell application in the State.
Sarawak Chief Minister YAB Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Abang Openg said that the findings and recommendation from the study will be shared with the Research Council in guiding the State for further decision making in adopting the hydrogen and fuel cell technology.
Sarawak Energy has allocated RM5 million for the initial phase to form the research team.
“It is hoped that hydrogen could be the primary fuel of choice for areas such as the transportation sectors and energy storage as the technology matures and becomes commercially attractive in the future,” said YAB Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Abang Openg during a press conference at the Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) on November 7th.
“Sarawak aspires to transform the public transportation sector with clean and green technologies,” he said adding that the move will contribute to the country’s commitment towards reducing CO2 emission intensity by 45 per cent by 2030.
Adding more, YAB Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Abang Openg said that if the State if successful in applying the technology in the transportation sector, it would reduce the reliance on fossil fuel and lower the carbon footprint.
“If this is successful, this development will benefit not just the state but open up potential opportunities for Sarawak to export to global markets,” he said.
Apart from the hydrogen fuel cell research, other area of focus under the Research Council in energy related areas includes alternative energy potential and electric vehicles.