Gentari & SEDC Energy Set To Establish Sarawak Central Hydrogen Production Hub

Following the signing of Strategic Collaboration Agreements (SCAs) between Gentari and SEDC Energy Sdn Bhd (SEDCE) in 2023, both have entered a new a Heads of Agreement (HOA) to establish a central hydrogen production hub known as the Sarawak H2 Hub, in Bintulu, Sarawak.

The agreement was formalised at the ongoing Borneo Energy Transition Conference (BETC2024) in Kuching. The ceremony was overseen in the presence of Sarawak's Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg.

Through this agreement, SEDCE, a subsidiary of the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation, is tasked with launching Sarawak's new energy ecosystem. This aligns with the state government's commitment to promoting cleaner energy sources in line with the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).

The Sarawak H2 Hub aspires to be a major provider of green hydrogen to various downstream facilities from its Bintulu base. The hub will be managed by a joint venture arm formed by Gentari and SEDCE, which will also oversee other regional hydrogen production projects.

Michèle Azalbert, Gentari's Chief Hydrogen Officer, emphasised Malaysia's potential at becoming ASEAN's clean hydrogen hub by leveraging Sarawak's abundant sustainable resources. She also emphasised the importance of hydrogen in decarbonising key sectors around the world.

Sarawak aims to become a commercial hydrogen producer by 2027, which also aligns with its vision of transitioning to a hydrogen-based economy.

This is in line with Sushil Purohit, CEO of Gentari’s statement last year whereby this collaboration intends to provide comprehensive clean energy solutions and position Sarawak state as a regional leader in the green hydrogen sector.

Robert Hardin, CEO of SEDCE, emphasised the partnership's importance in driving development and attracting investment, particularly in the new energy sectors. He added Sarawak's critical role in advancing hydrogen-related initiatives, which align with national and international collaboration efforts.

This collaboration expands on Gentari and SEDC Energy's previous Strategic Collaboration Agreement, reaffirming their commitment to providing integrated clean energy solutions and contributing to policy development in Sarawak.