KUCHING, Malaysia - January 20, 2025: Sarawak Petchem Sdn Bhd has initiated a project to produce green methanol, following its successful export of conventional methanol. The groundbreaking ceremony for the green methanol plant in Tanjung Kidurong, Bintulu, was officiated by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Green methanol, derived from water electrolysis powered by renewable energy and captured carbon dioxide, aims to serve as a sustainable marine fuel, potentially reducing carbon dioxide emissions significantly.
Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Husain, chairman of Sarawak Petchem, emphasized the project's role in advancing sustainable energy solutions. The plant, constructed by Samsung Engineering Co Ltd, boasts an annual production capacity of 1.75 million tonnes and represents a RM7 billion investment in the Sarawak Methanol Complex.
During the event, 20,000 tonnes of conventional methanol were shipped to China, illustrating Sarawak's active participation in the global energy transition.
Plans for a joint venture with Japanese firms to produce ammonia and hydrogen are underway, with a memorandum of understanding expected to be signed in May. This collaboration aims to leverage the methanol-to-hydrogen process and produce synthetic gas.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof confirmed that Sarawak is positioning itself as a regional hub for hydrogen production, attracting investments from Japan and South Korea. The region's hydrogen research advancements are pivotal in establishing Sarawak as a key player in the Asian hydrogen economy.