KUCHING, Sept 4 — Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg today said that two major manufacturing projects in Bintulu will be the cornerstones of Sarawak’s green hydrogen economy.

He said the H2biscus and H2ornbill projects are expected to be operational in Bintulu Petchem Industrial Park in 2027.

"The H2biscus project is expected to produce 7,000 tonnes per annum of green hydrogen for domestic use; 600,000 tonnes per annum of blue ammonia; 630,000 tonnes per annum of green ammonia; and 460,000 tonnes per annum of green methanol for Export,” he said in his keynote address at the World Green and Sustainability Summit here.

He said the state is looking at Japan and Singapore as the export market.

He said Sarawak Economic Development Corporation’s subsidiary company SEDC Energy is working with three South Korean companies Samsung Engineering, Posco and Lotte Chemicals in developing a green hydrogen derivative facility.

"These companies will actively develop the entire cycle of the H2biscus project including direct investment, construction, transportation, and utilisation,” he added.

He said SEDC Energy is collaborating with Japanese companies Sumitomo Corporation and Eneos on the H2ornbill project that will develop large-scale production of green hydrogen.

He added the potential for the hydrogen economy is limitless, stating that SEDC Energy is also developing a hydrogen production plant and refuelling station to support the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project.

He said the hydrogen production plant in Rembus, Kota Samarahan, is expected to be completed in 2025.

"The KUTS project will cost about RM6 billion and when it is ready, it will use a hydrogen-powered autonomous rapid transit (ART) system.

"It will be a hybrid of train, bus and tram,” he said, adding that KUTS ART Phase 1 will involve the Samarahan and Serian lines that will cover a total of 53km in southern Sarawak.