The government supports a RM5-6 billion feasibility study for low-carbon ammonia and urea technology in Bintulu, Sarawak, to boost Malaysia’s hydrogen ecosystem
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is committed to supporting the feasibility study for the development of low-carbon ammonia and urea technology in Bintulu, Sarawak, which involves an estimated investment of between RM5 billion and RM6 billion, as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s hydrogen ecosystem.
Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohammad Yusof Apdal said that although the development of a green ammonia ecosystem to ensure national fertiliser supply and food security has not been discussed by the Hydrogen Economy and Technology Roadmap (HETR) steering committee and clusters, the government remains committed to supporting the initiative.
“The government is committed to realising the aspiration of making Sarawak the leading green hydrogen hub in Southeast Asia and strengthening Malaysia’s position in the regional hydrogen economy,” he said during the oral question session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to a supplementary question from Rodiyah Sapiee (GPS–Batang Sadong), who asked to what extent the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (MOSTI) is coordinating the HETR to ensure that Sarawak not only exports hydrogen but also produces green ammonia for the domestic fertiliser supply.
Rodiyah also asked the government to explain MOSTI’s strategy for accelerating the commercialisation of local research and development and technology transfer in collaboration with the Sarawak government, with the aim of reducing dependence on foreign technology and strengthening Sarawak’s position as Southeast Asia’s leading green hydrogen hub.
Mohammad Yusof said MOSTI is strengthening trilateral collaboration with research institutions, universities, and industry.
“Our key collaborations are in translating local research findings into commercial products to reduce the country’s dependence on foreign technology.
“The federal and state governments are committed to collaborating in three key areas: talent development, the harmonisation of standards and regulations, and the coordination of R&D and technology transfer. The government is committed to ensuring that this development progresses inclusively for the future of the country’s economy,” he said.
At the same time, he said, MOSTI is strengthening hydrogen-related standards as well as regulatory and legal aspects, including the development of a comprehensive standards framework covering the entire hydrogen value chain and hydrogen certification schemes such as the Guarantee of Origin (GoO), which can support the development of a hydrogen hub in Sarawak.
Regarding the hybrid hydro floating solar (HHFS) and green hydrogen hub project in Terengganu, Mohammad Yusof said the collaboration between Petroliam Nasional Bhd, Tenaga Nasional Bhd, and Terengganu Inc supports both the HETR and National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), with the target of producing up to 2.5 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2050.
He added that the hydrogen value chain development is also being expanded to Kertih and Pengerang by leveraging existing industrial infrastructure, while floating solar projects in Perak and the Selangor Hydrogen Economy and Refueling Ecosystem (SEHO) initiative in Batang Kali will continue to strengthen the development of Malaysia’s hydrogen ecosystem.
