Rembus Hydrogen Plant To Boost Sarawak’s Clean Energy Drive

KUCHING, May 12 (Bernama) -- The Rembus Hydrogen Plant in Samarahan is expected to produce one tonne of hydrogen per day by the first quarter of 2027 to support Sarawak’s hydrogen-powered public transportation system, the State Assembly was told today.

Sarawak Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni said the plant will then gradually expand its hydrogen production capacity in phases in the years that follow.

He said the plant is being developed to support the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS), which will utilise hydrogen-powered Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) vehicles and feeder buses.

“Overall, Sarawak’s hydrogen development is being implemented in a practical and progressive manner, balancing export readiness with domestic market development, while building local capabilities and creating sustainable long-term value for Sarawak.” 

He said this in reply to See Chee How (Independent-Batu Lintang) on the current outlook of Sarawak’s drive to transform the state into a clean hydrogen energy powerhouse, during Question Time.

Dr Hazland said Sarawak remains firmly committed to developing a clean hydrogen economy as part of its broader ambition to position the State as a regional clean energy powerhouse.

The state approach, he noted, is structured and phased, focusing on strengthening the entire hydrogen value chain from production to midstream processing, domestic utilisation and future export opportunities.

Meanwhile, he said Sarawak will expand renewable energy and reduce coal use.

“Coal plays a role in ensuring grid stability and a reliable power supply. Nevertheless, Sarawak has taken clear steps to reduce its dependence on coal.

“The Balingian Coal-Fired Power Plant, commissioned in 2019, will be the last coal-fired project in Sarawak for the foreseeable future, and plans are underway to progressively retire ageing coal plants,” he added. 

-- BERNAMA