KUCHING: Sarawak has the potential to become a hydrogen producer in its quest for environmental sustainability through renewable energy, says Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

       The Chief Minister said several countries had expressed an interest to invest in hydrogen production in the state.

       "We have agreements with Japan, South Korea and Australia on this. They have done their studies and they know that we have the resources.

       "What we need is the technology to process these resources into hydrogen," he told reporters after the ground-breaking for a new multifuel refuelling station at Batu Kawa here on Tuesday (Nov 23).

       Abang Johari said Sarawak had plenty of water in reservoirs to be a source for hydrogen production.

       While the initial production cost might be high, he believed it would come down over a period of 10 to 15 years.

       "Then we can become a hydrogen-producing state. Hydrogen is going to be the energy of the future, so we are on the right track," he added.

       Abang Johari noted that the new multifuel station was a reflection of the state's long-term vision to be environmentally friendly and reduce carbon emission.

       Built by SEDC Energy Sdn Bhd, the station would be equipped with hydrogen refuelling facilities and electric charging in addition to fossil fuels.

       "In our post-Covid recovery strategy up to 2030, there is a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability.

       "This is a global issue. For us, though we are a small state, we have a vision of how to manage our environment and energy," he said.

       The Batu Kawa multifuel station is the second one built by SEDC Energy after its first at Darul Hana here.

       It was targeted for completion in the third quarter of next year while the flagship Darul Hana station was scheduled to be completed at the end of this month.