NEWS & UPDATES

Partnering Linde Malaysia to build first refuelling station for transportation in South East Asia

KUCHING, 29 JULY 2018, SUNDAY: Sarawak Energy is building a pilot hydrogen production plant and refuelling station to evaluate the viability of hydrogen and fuel cells to power the state’s transportation sector in the future. To be located in Kuching and scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2019, the refuelling station will be the first dedicated for transportation in South East Asia. 

Sarawak Energy is building the facility in partnership with Linde Malaysia, part of the global Linde Group and a leading industrial gas supplier in Malaysia. The two corporations also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore potential markets for hydrogen, and to undertake a joint technical study to assess the technology of the whole value chain.

An earth-breaking ceremony for the pilot facility was held today officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Abang Haji Openg. He was joined by Minister for Utilities Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi anak Utom as well as other members of the State Cabinet.

Representing Sarawak Energy was Chairman Datuk Amar Hamed Sepawi who was joined by Group Chief Executive Officer Sharbini Suhaili and the senior management team as well Linde’s Head of Regional Business Unit, Rob Hughes.

In his welcome speech at the ceremony here today, Sarawak Energy’s chairman Datuk Amar Abdul Hamed Sepawi said the move to set up the facility is part of the corporation’s contribution to support the State’s green energy agenda. 

Hamed thanked the Chief Minister for honouring Sarawak Energy by entrusting the state-owned energy developer to prepare a Green Energy Agenda for the state of which hydrogen could potentially play a significant role in the future.

“With this pilot project, our focus is to enhance knowledge in this area.  While we may still have a long journey ahead of us, today’s earth breaking ceremony marks a significant milestone for Sarawak. This will be the first hydrogen refuelling station for transportation in South East Asia, for research purpose and to demonstration the technology locally,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rob Hughes described the partnership with Sarawak Energy as a testament of a team ready to embrace the sustainable agenda on a greater scale. 

“Linde is proud to be partnering Sarawak Energy in this project contributing our knowledge and expertise as a pioneer in the entire hydrogen value chain. Linde has worked with partners in delivering around 150 hydrogen fuelling stations around the world and the success is now extending its focus to Asia,” Hughes said.

The pilot facility will be built next to Sarawak Energy’s Western Region Office at Jalan Belian here and it is expected to be ready next year.