KUCHING: Sarawak is exploring the development of sustainable aviation fuel as part of its green energy agenda, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The state's Premier said the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) was collaborating with the Aerospace Malaysia Innovation Centre on developing biofuels, green hydrogen and fuel cells for aviation.
"With recent advancements in hydrogen fuel cells for aviation, particularly in drones, I envision that soon hydrogen fuel cells could be fuelling helicopters.
"Therefore we want to work together with the aviation industry to accelerate efforts in the development of sustainable aviation fuel, including biofuels, eMethanol and the potential of hydrogen fuel cells," he said in a keynote address at the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam, Holland, on Monday (May 9).
Abang Johari said sustainable aviation fuel would help reduce carbon emissions by 80% compared to fossil fuels.
He said this could be the key to sustainable air travel, contributing to the industry's emissions reduction strategy.
The Premier also highlighted Sarawak's hydrogen-ready position, saying that the state aimed to build a hydrogen economy with sufficient infrastructure, expertise and supply and value chains.
"We want Sarawak to be a region for clean, green investment. We want global low-carbon industries serviced by Sarawak supply chains," he said.
In line with this, Abang Johari said the state utility company Sarawak Energy Bhd was now exploring the production of green hydrogen after setting up an integrated hydrogen production plant and refuelling station in 2018.
The plant could produce 130kg of hydrogen daily and was capable of fully refuelling five fuel cell electric buses and 10 cars per day.
"With this pilot hydrogen facility, Sarawak is a step closer towards building a green energy future for the transport sector for Sarawak and the Asia Pacific region," Abang Johari said, adding that it now served to refuel Sarawak's first hydrogen fuel cell electric buses.