KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – 26 February 2024
– Clean energy solutions provider Gentari Sdn Bhd (Gentari)
through its subsidiary Gentari Hydrogen Sdn Bhd, has signed a
Heads of Agreement (HOA) with SEDC Energy Sdn Bhd (SEDCE), a
subsidiary of the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation, for
the joint development of a centralised hydrogen production hub in
Sarawak’s Bintulu, to be known as the Sarawak H2 Hub.
The
document exchange was witnessed today at the Borneo Energy
Transition Conference (BETC2024) in Kuching, by the Premier of
Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji
Openg. SEDCE has been tasked to kickstart the new energy ecosystem
in Sarawak in line with the state government’s vision to
emphasise the use of new and cleaner energy.
The
planned global-scale hydrogen production hub in Bintulu is
intended to serve as the sole supplier of green hydrogen for
downstream facilities in the Bintulu division area, managed by a
joint venture company to be formed by Gentari and SEDCE, which
will also be responsible for optimising all hydrogen production
projects within the region.
“Malaysia is
well-placed to be a clean hydrogen hub in ASEAN, led by states
such as Sarawak with its ample sustainable resources. At Gentari,
we have been focused on pursuing collaborations with partners such
as SEDC Energy to develop the local hydrogen economy, which will
create economic value for the state while positioning the country
as a hydrogen export hub.
“We believe that
hydrogen is the way forward and we are committed to contributing
towards Sarawak’s Hydrogen Economy Roadmap, in addition to
the Malaysian government’s vision and objectives in the
Hydrogen Economy and Technology Roadmap (HETR). Hydrogen’s
role in decarbonising sectors like energy, transportation, and
petrochemicals globally cannot be understated, and the demand for
low carbon hydrogen-derivatives is a testament to its rising
significance,” commented Michèle Azalbert, Chief
Hydrogen Officer, Gentari.
Sarawak is positioning
itself to be a commercial hydrogen producer by 2027 with the
vision of transitioning the state into a hydrogen economy.
“This
strategic partnership between SEDCE and Gentari for the Sarawak H2
hub will be a significant undertaking as this will spur more
developments and attract new investments especially in the new
energy sector. Hydrogen will play a role in the energy transition
and as highlighted in the National Energy Transition Roadmap,
Sarawak’s role in advancing this development is worthwhile
to note. It resonates well with our approach to collaboration
internationally and domestically,” added Robert Hardin,
CEO, SEDCE.
Gentari and SEDC Energy had previously
entered into a Strategic Collaboration Agreement to explore
potential collaborations in the development and provision of
integrated clean energy solutions and contribution to policy and
regulatory development in the state.