KUCHING: Sarawak has launched a hydrogen economy roadmap to drive the state's hydrogen agenda through 2035 and beyond.

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said the roadmap was an important document that would guide policy implementation and the right approach towards developing the hydrogen economy.

"The hydrogen economy is a new approach to mitigate carbon emissions. It is also our contribution to lessen the effects of climate change.

"We in Sarawak are fortunate that we have the resources to strengthen our position and contribute to global efforts towards net zero emissions by 2050," he told a press conference after launching the roadmap at the hydrogen economy forum here on Tuesday (May 13).

Abang Johari said Sarawak will pursue new technologies to implement the policies listed in the roadmap.

"I think we are one of the first to have a clear roadmap towards a hydrogen economy.

"It's not easy because there are a lot of skeptics out there who are not convinced on the issue of hydrogen.

"But I believe with the technology available, the cost of hydrogen production will be less, and definitely, hydrogen will become the fuel of the future," he said, adding that Sarawak was on the right track.

In his speech earlier, Abang Johari said the roadmap was designed to navigate opportunities and challenges to accelerate Sarawak's transformation into a regionally recognised clean energy powerhouse.

"Scaling hydrogen to commercial levels requires massive capital investment, advanced technology, skilled talent and long-term policy stability," he said.

The Premier also said amendments to the Distribution of Gas Ordinance to regulate hydrogen activities, which were passed in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly in November, came into force on March 1.

The amendments include establishing a legal framework for appointing a hydrogen industry regulator and empowering the state government to impose relevant rates, levies, or charges on hydrogen operations.

Abang Johari said the state Energy and Environmental Sustainability Ministry was working to put in place supporting regulations and guidelines by year-end.

"This regulatory clarity will provide confidence to investors, operators and the public alike, ensuring that the hydrogen economy develops in a safe, structured and sustainable manner," he said.