Sarawak Premier Launches Global-Scale Hydrogen Production Hub In Bintulu
The Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg, has launched the Sarawak H2 Hub, a groundbreaking global-scale hydrogen production facility in Bintulu jointly developed by SEDC Energy Sdn Bhd (SEDCE) and Gentari Sdn Bhd through a new joint venture company.
The joint venture between SEDCE and Gentari Hydrogen Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Gentari, was formalised today at the Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen 2024 Conference & Exhibition in Kuching. This follows a Heads of Agreement (HOA) signed earlier this year, with SEDCE holding the majority stake in the new company. This initiative marks a significant step in Sarawak’s commitment to becoming a leader in clean energy.
The Sarawak H2 Hub will manage the entire lifecycle of hydrogen production in the region, from development and construction to operation and maintenance. This hub will streamline and enhance all hydrogen production projects in Bintulu and serve as the primary supplier of green hydrogen to downstream facilities. Adopting a modular ‘plug and play’ approach, the hub will integrate hydrogen production units with pre-developed common utilities and services.
Key projects within the Sarawak H2 Hub include Project H2ornbill, in collaboration with Japanese firms ENEOS and Sumitomo Corp, and Project H2biscus, in partnership with South Korean companies Samsung Engineering, Lotte Chemical, and KNOC. These initiatives aim to establish hydrogen derivative facilities, reinforcing Sarawak’s position in the global hydrogen economy.
“Gentari is proud to be a strategic partner to SEDC Energy in advancing the transition to a low-carbon future, in line with Sarawak’s clean energy ambitions and Malaysia’s Hydrogen Economy and Technology Roadmap. Leveraging our collective expertise, this joint venture aims to establish Sarawak as a key player in the green hydrogen sector, creating substantial economic value for the state by driving the entry of new industries and investments, creating new high-value jobs, and spurring technological innovation through the provision of green feedstock for downstream facilities such as chemicals production,” said Michèle Azalbert, Chief Hydrogen Officer, Gentari.
“This is a good partnership that will propel Sarawak into the H2 production hub for the region. With the ‘plug and play’ concept, we can also invite more investors or partners into Sarawak. From here onwards, it will be an uphill task for us all, but I believe the challenge will make us more resilient and ready for the larger challenges that come ahead of us. With this my hope is to drive the new energy economy for Sarawak and Malaysia to the next level,” added Robert Hardin, Chief Executive Officer, SEDC Energy.
The establishment of the Sarawak H2 Hub aligns with Sarawak’s ambition to become a commercial hydrogen producer by 2027 and a significant contributor to the global hydrogen economy. This initiative supports SEDCE’s mandate to develop Sarawak’s new energy ecosystem and Gentari’s vision to be the most valued clean energy solutions partner in the Asia Pacific region by 2030.
