Malaysia’s Sarawak launches 2030 sustainability plan with carbon, hydrogen, CCS goals

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The Malaysian state of Sarawak unveiled its sustainability blueprint, outlining a series of targets and plans for 2030 that encompass carbon market development, hydrogen initiatives and carbon capture and storage, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced at the Asia Carbon Conference in Kuching.

Sarawak, with abundant hydropower resources that represent Malaysia’s cleanest energy compared with other states, aims to be a pioneer in advancing Malaysia’s decarbonization efforts. Additionally, the state is rich in forest and land resources, facilitating the development of nature-based carbon projects and CCS initiatives. Sarawak’s significant progress in renewable energy development is centered around hydropower, which has accounted for 70% of the state’s power generation capacity. This shift has enabled Sarawak to cut its carbon emissions from grid-connected power supplies by 72% between 2010-2023.

“Sarawak is determined to lead Malaysia and the region in climate action and sustainable development,” Abang Johari said while launching the blueprint. He emphasized Sarawak is already well ahead of its 2030 targets of 60% renewables in the power generation mix. Further, he said Sarawak aims to publish its full greenhouse gas inventory report by 2027 to benchmark emissions against a carbon budget.

For renewable/low-carbon hydrogen, the strategies include developing a large-scale hydrogen production hub, stimulating domestic offtake agreements, securing long-term international offtake agreements, establishing a state-level hydrogen certification program, and advancing the development and commercialization of critical technologies, according to the Premier.

Price of the Week

$150/mtCO2e

Platts, part of S&P Global Commodity Insights, ssessed technology-based carbon capture credit at $150/mtCO2e on May 28.

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