Sarawak is positioning itself at the forefront of Southeast Asia’s clean energy revolution by investing heavily in a hydrogen economy—an ambitious move the state believes will pay off in long-term sustainability and global relevance.
Speaking at the state legislative assembly on Thursday (May 22), Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, outlined Sarawak’s vision to become a regional leader in clean hydrogen production. He emphasized that while the immediate economic returns may be modest, the long-term payoff could be transformative.
“Hydrogen is not just a fuel—it’s a future,” said Dr Hazland, noting global projections that value the hydrogen market at US$5.95 billion (RM25.33 billion) by 2030. “Its role in decarbonizing hard-to-electrify sectors like marine and aviation makes it a critical part of the global clean energy puzzle.”
Dr Hazland acknowledged the steep challenges ahead. Sarawak’s current economy leans heavily on oil and gas, and the hydrogen industry remains nascent. Infrastructure is sparse, technical expertise is still growing, and investors are often wary of sectors that don’t promise quick returns.
But Sarawak has a unique asset that few others can match: abundant, renewable hydropower. “Our topography gives us a natural edge,” Dr Hazland explained. “With some of the lowest industrial electricity tariffs in the region, we’re in a strong position to produce clean hydrogen via electrolysis—efficiently and without emissions.”
By converting water into hydrogen using renewable energy, Sarawak aims to produce green hydrogen at scale, turning its natural advantages into strategic leverage. This aligns closely with the state’s Post-COVID Development Strategy 2030, which places sustainability and innovation at the heart of economic transformation.
“The road ahead won’t be easy,” Dr Hazland admitted. “But with vision, commitment, and the right investments, Sarawak can turn today’s clean energy ambitions into tomorrow’s competitive edge.”
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