Clean energy solutions provider Gentari Sdn Bhd (Gentari) through its subsidiary Gentari Hydrogen Sdn Bhd, has signed a Heads of Agreement (HoA) with SEDC Energy Sdn Bhd (SEDCE), a subsidiary of the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation, for the joint development of a centralized H₂ production hub in Sarawak’s Bintulu, to be known as the Sarawak H₂ Hub.

The document exchange was witnessed today at the Borneo Energy Transition Conference (BETC2024) in Kuching, by the Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg. SEDCE has been tasked to kickstart the new energy ecosystem in Sarawak in line with the state government’s vision to emphasize the use of new and cleaner energy.

The planned global-scale H₂ production hub in Bintulu is intended to serve as the sole supplier of green H₂ for downstream facilities in the Bintulu division area, managed by a joint venture company to be formed by Gentari and SEDCE, which will also be responsible for optimizing all H₂ production projects within the region.

“Malaysia is well-placed to be a clean H₂ 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 H₂ economy, which will create economic value for the state while positioning the country as a H₂ export hub.

“We believe that H₂ is the way forward and we are committed to contributing towards Sarawak’s H₂ Economy Roadmap, in addition to the Malaysian government’s vision and objectives in the H₂ Economy and Technology Roadmap (HETR). H₂’s role in decarbonizing sectors like energy, transportation, and petrochemicals globally cannot be understated, and the demand for low-carbon H₂-derivatives is a testament to its rising significance,” said Michèle Azalbert, Chief H₂ Officer, Gentari.

Sarawak is positioning itself to be a commercial H₂ producer by 2027 with the vision of transitioning the state into a H₂ economy.

“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. H₂ 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,” said Robert Hardin, CEO, SEDCE.