Gentari, SEDC partner for Sarawak hydrogen production hub in Malaysia

Petronas backed Gentari, through its subsidiary Gentari Hydrogen Sdn Bhd, has signed an agreement with SEDC Energy (SEDCE), a subsidiary of the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation, for the joint development of a centralized hydrogen production hub in Sarawak's Bintulu town, as proposed as the 'Sarawak H2 Hub'. 

The planned global-scale hydrogen production hub is intended to serve as the sole supplier of green hydrogen for downstream facilities in the Bintulu division area, managed by a joint venture company to be formed by Gentari and SEDCE. 

The JV will also be responsible for optimizing all hydrogen production projects within the region, according to the partners. The Sarawak region in Malaysia is emerging as one of the key hubs for green hydrogen production in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. 

"Malaysia is well-placed to be a clean hydrogen hub in ASEAN, led by states such as Sarawak with its ample sustainable resources. At Gentari, we have been focused on pursuing collaborations with partners such as SEDC Energy to develop the local hydrogen economy, which will create economic value for the state while positioning the country as a hydrogen export hub", said Michèle Azalbert, Chief Hydrogen Officer, Gentari.

"We believe that hydrogen is the way forward and we are committed to contributing towards Sarawak's Hydrogen Economy Roadmap, in addition to the Malaysian government's vision and objectives in the Hydrogen Economy and Technology Roadmap (HETR)".

"Hydrogen's role in decarbonising sectors like energy, transportation, and petrochemicals globally cannot be understated, and the demand for low carbon hydrogen-derivatives is a testament to its rising significance", he commented.

The Sarawak region is positioning itself to be a commercial hydrogen producer by 2027 with the vision of transitioning the state into a hydrogen economy, according to Gentari.

Robert Hardin, CEO, SEDCE, commented, "This strategic partnership between SEDCE and Gentari for the Sarawak H2 hub will be a significant undertaking as this will spur more developments and attract new investments especially in the new energy sector".

He further added, "Hydrogen will play a role in the energy transition and as highlighted in the National Energy Transition Roadmap, Sarawak's role in advancing this development is worthwhile to note. It resonates well with our approach to collaboration internationally and domestically".