PETRONAS and SEDC Energy Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Sarawak Economic Development Corporation, have entered into two arrangements to accelerate the development and adoption of hydrogen and renewable oil as alternative fuels for the state.
A Supply Arrangement on Hydrogen Production Technology and a Joint Technology Collaboration Arrangement on Renewable Oil were signed yesterday between both parties during an official visit by Premier of Sarawak, YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr.) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg to PETRONAS Research Sdn Bhd (PRSB)’s research facility in Bangi. The Premier was received at the facility by PETRONAS President & Group CEO, Datuk Tengku Muhammad Taufik. Also present was SEDC Chairman, YBhg. Tan Sri Datuk Amar (Dr.) Haji Abdul Aziz bin Dato Haji Husain.
The supply arrangement was signed between PETRONAS Technology Ventures Sdn Bhd (PTVSB) CEO, Dr. Mahpuzah Abai and SEDC Energy CEO, Robert Hardin, while the joint technology collaboration arrangement was signed by Hardin and PETRONAS Chief Technology Officer, Dr. Nasir Darman representing PRSB.
Datuk Tengku Taufik said, “We believe that such partnership will enable greater access to cleaner energy sources for the economic growth of Sarawak specifically, as well as the nation at large.”
In his speech, the Premier of Sarawak mentioned, “We have been approached by and we are also working with many global players in the region. It is vital to gain certification and be recognised at the world stage to explore networks and the necessary accreditations with regards to future fuels.”
The Supply Arrangement between PTVSB and SEDC Energy focuses on expanding the application of green hydrogen technologies in Sarawak. The arrangement covers the supply and operation of PETRONAS’ proprietary Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Electrolyser for the production of green hydrogen that would be delivered to the Darul Hana and Batu Kawa refuelling stations.
Both parties will work together to develop local expertise in manufacturing PETRONAS electrolyser technology and integrating it into the state’s current plant systems. The parties will also explore opportunities for the design and development of a “Hydrogen City” in Sarawak.
Via the Joint Technology Collaboration Arrangement on Renewable Oil, PRSB and SEDC Energy will explore the development of an Initial Commercial Plant (ICP) for microalgae cultivation and harvesting, as well as extraction of crude algae oil. Subject to commercial attractiveness, the parties may look into establishing a large-scale commercial plant at a later stage.
The collaboration will also deep dive into the key success criteria to commercially produce crude algae oil, particularly on growing and developing algae strains with high growth rate, high oil content, and low production cost.
