KUCHING: The Sarawak government is actively attracting major players in green technology to invest in the state as part of its commitment to sustainable energy development.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that countries like Japan, with companies such as Sumitomo, are seeking to transition their energy sources to reduce carbon emissions caused by industrial activities.
“In this regard, they will engage in carbon trading, carbon credits, and they need sources capable of producing hydrogen. They are investing here, and we are processing it.”
Abang Johari said this in the 2025 Sarawak Post-Budget Special Interview by TVS which was aired last night (Dec 11).
Abang Johari, who is also the Finance and New Economy Minister, added that Sarawak takes only a small equity stake in these ventures, while the majority of the investments come from companies that require hydrogen. “This approach has also drawn interest from South Korea.”
He expressed optimism about the global shift toward alternative energy sources, predicting a decline in the value of fossil fuels such as oil.
“Since we have alternative energy and can produce it at a reasonable cost, I feel the entire structure of the global economy will change.”
Earlier, Abang Johari said before he became the Premier, he had conducted research on hydrogen and engaged with Linde, realising that Sarawak’s abundant water resources could be split into hydrogen and oxygen molecules.
“Hydrogen can serve as a renewable energy source, and that is why, after taking over the administration from the late Tan Sri Adenan Satem, I initiated efforts in this area early on.
“Although the costs of production were high at the time – around 60 per kilowatt-hour for 1kg of hydrogen.
“I am confident that with advanced technology, particularly from electrolysis, which is a key component, the cost of producing hydrogen can be reduced.”
He added the state has also collaborated with Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) to study hydrogen production, and now there is a reduction which is 30 per kilowatt-hour for 1kg of hydrogen.
“This indicates that costs will continue to decrease. We have already begun producing hydrogen, and our public transportation system, the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART), will be powered by hydrogen.
“Currently, the necessary infrastructure for this is being developed,” added Abang Johari.
