KUCHING: Marubeni Corporation, a leading Japanese integrated trading and investment conglomerate, participated in green initiatives at the Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen 2024
Conference.
The three-day event was launched in Kuching by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on Monday.
“Marubeni, which has signed an MoU with InvestSarawak, a One-Stop-Centre investment promotion agency, is on a mission to Kuching to further investigate hydrogen initiatives to firm up its Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) project,” it said through a statement, Tuesday (June 11).
The delegation had the opportunity to witness hydrogen initiatives, including the hydrogen-powered public transportation, courtesy of Sarawak Metro. This visit highlights
Sarawak’s potential as a hub for green hydrogen production and utilisation.
The delegation is also exploring the use of feedstock, such as agricultural and timber waste, for SAF production.
The delegation was led by Wataru Ikushima, general manager of the New Energy Business Development Department, and included Motoaki Yoshida, manager of the Next Generation Fuel Business Development Team;. Masashi Shirotake, senior vice-president of Marubeni Asian Power Singapore; Tham Pui Yin, vice-president of Marubeni Asian Power Singapore; and Takashi Shibuya, deputy managing director of Marubeni Malaysia.
Also present to receive the delegation was Timothy Ong, chief executive officer of InvestSarawak.
“Marubeni aims to confirm the feasibility of producing SAF using biomass feedstock and assess potential technology pathways for SAF production in Sarawak,” it said.
Both parties aim to establish a commercial-scale SAF value chain for local consumption or export by 2030. The strategic goals include supplying the growing demand in the airline sector.
“Biomass, derived from plants or animals, includes wood, agricultural residues, and algae, while SAF is a cleaner jet fuel made from renewable resources like microalgae,”it said.
The Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen 2024 conference serves as a platform for industry leaders to discuss and advance the utilisation of green hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy source.
