KUCHING: Sarawak has further cemented its position as a regional clean energy leader with the launch of the Sarawak Hydrogen Economy Roadmap 2035.
 
Unveiled during the Hydrogen Economy Forum 2025 (H2EF 2025), the roadmap outlines the state’s strategy to become a major clean hydrogen powerhouse in Southeast Asia.
 
In his keynote address at the forum, Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg reaffirmed the Sarawak Government’s commitment to developing four strategic energy hubs as the backbone of Sarawak’s green energy transformation.
 
According to him, these encompass renewable energy, natural gas, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and hydrogen.
 
“These hubs are more than just energy investments. They form the foundation of a sustainable, competitive, and high-impact future economy for Sarawak,” he said before an audience of industry leaders, energy experts, and regional investors, here on Tuesday.
 
Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari added that Sarawak is on solid footing to emerge as a regional energy hub through the development of four key components driving its energy transformation.
 
According to him, the renewable energy hub capitalises on abundant resources such as hydro, solar, and biomass, not only fulfilling domestic needs but already exporting to West Kalimantan.
 
“Efforts are well underway to expand this power grid connectivity to Sabah, Brunei, Peninsular Malaysia, and Singapore,” he said.
 
Meanwhile, the Natural Gas Hub sees Sarawak harnessing nearly 60 per cent of Malaysia’s total gas reserves through the development of four main hubs, namely in Miri, Bintulu, Samalaju, and Kuching, in line with the implementation of the Sarawak Gas Roadmap that supports both industrial needs and export markets.
 
He further noted that Sarawak is also taking the lead in CCS technology with over 65 per cent of Malaysia’s carbon storage potential located within the state.
 
The Sarawak Premier also announced the development of the Hydrogen Hub which includes two mega projects, the H2ornbill and H2biscus, currently in their front-end engineering design phases which are expected to be completed by the end of this year. 
 
He added that another hydrogen hub is being planned in Kuching which will further solidify the state’s capacity to be a regional leader in hydrogen economy.  
 
In the same address, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari highlighted a key regulatory milestone, making Sarawak a pioneer in hydrogen industry governance in the region following the passing of the Distribution of Gas (Amendment) Ordinance to include provisions dedicated specifically to regulating hydrogen activities. 
 
“This law which took effect on 1 March 2025 empowers the Sarawak Government to appoint a hydrogen industry regulator, develop safety guidelines, and impose relevant rates, levies, or charges on hydrogen operations. 
 
“This bold move, in my view, represents a critical pillar in boosting investor confidence and ensuring that hydrogen industry development proceeds in a safe, structured, and sustainable manner,” he said.
 
On another matter, he announced that Sarawak will once again host the Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen (APGH) Conference & Exhibition from 9 to 11 June 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching with an even larger and more impactful programme anticipated, featuring local and international participants. 
 
Also present were Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr. Hazland Abang Hipni; Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Francis Harden Hollis; Deputy Minister for Transport, Datuk Dr. Jerip Susil, Deputy Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment, Datuk Dr. Malcolm Mussen Lamoh; Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew; Sarawak Attorney General, Dato Sri Saferi Ali; Sarawak Financial Secretary, Dato Sri Dr. Wan Lizozman Wan Omar; and Sarawak Police Commissioner, Dato Mancha Ata. -UKASnews