KUCHING: Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) has taken a bold step in advancing green energy solutions with its first Containerised Solar Hydrogen Project, showcased at the Green Hydrogen Exhibition 2024.
The innovative project integrates solar power with hydrogen storage technology, delivering reliable and sustainable electricity to the rural community while supporting Sarawak’s target for full electrification by 2025.
According to the Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, the Containerised Solar Hydrogen Project marks a major milestone in Sarawak’s green hydrogen efforts.
“Through this project, Rumah Bangau has become the first rural village in Sarawak to be fully powered by a containerised solar hydrogen solution with the same capacity as traditional Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (SARES) initiatives.
“This provides its community with clean, renewable energy, facilitating greater economic and entrepreneurial activity in the area.
“This project’s success provides a model for sustainable rural electrification across Sarawak, which will help close the gap between urban and rural communities and ensure that all Sarawakians can thrive, regardless of where their home is,” he said at the Green Hydrogen Exhibition 2024 here yesterday.
Additionally, he said the Sarawak government remains committed to advancing green hydrogen development for decarbonisation, electrification, and sustainability.
“The Sarawak government will continue to focus on green hydrogen development, taking advantage of its immense potential for decarbonisation, electrification, and sustainable development, which require continued collaborations between government agencies, industries and local communities as partnerships are the foundation of all of Sarawak’s clean energy ambitions,” he expressed.
Furthermore, Dr Rahman said SEB is advancing the SARES programme by integrating green hydrogen technology to supply electricity to rural areas, with plans to enhance existing SARES locations and future advancements are expected to reduce expenses, aligning with the PCDS 2030 framework for environmental sustainability and improved energy solutions across Sarawak.
“Although hydrogen energy currently costs more than SARES, we are confident that the costs will decrease over time as the technology and equipment advance, which aligns with Sarawak Energy and the Ministry’s goals under the Post-COVID19 Development Scheme (PCDS) 2030 framework for environmental sustainability, aiming to improve environmental conservation through green hydrogen for electricity generation across Sarawak,” he said.
Dr Rahman also said the Residents of Rumah Bangau are satisfied with the 24-hour electricity provided by SEB’s project and have reported no issues since its completion.
“This positive feedback will guide us in continuing similar projects in other villages and longhouses in the future.
“We aim to achieve 100 percent electricity coverage across Sarawak by 2025, ensuring that all households benefit from reliable energy access,” he expressed delightfully.
Furthermore, he added SEB, in collaboration with local representatives, is identifying suitable villages for green hydrogen projects, with a focus on areas like Baram, Kapit, and Miri; aiming to expand electrification and replicate Rumah Bangau’s success across Sarawak by 2025.
“The list has been compiled in collaboration with Sarawak’s representatives, identifying villages still lacking electricity.
“Sarawak Energy will conduct detailed studies to assess the suitability of each location, as not all places are immediately viable for this technology.
“These studies will guide implementation, focusing on areas like Baram, Kapit, Miri, Mulu, and Telang Usan that are awaiting projects and by 2025, the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication, alongside Sarawak Energy, will intensify efforts to expand electrification and explore green hydrogen solutions in these regions,” he said.
