KUCHING (Nov 25): Sarawak is rapidly advancing in the area of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), which has reinforced its ambitious vision for a low-carbon economy and its establishment as the CCUS hub in the Asia Pacific region.

In stating this, Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state’s comprehensive strategy would position CCUS as a critical pillar in decarbonising industries and supporting global net-zero targets.

“Sarawak plans to establish four carbon storage sites by 2030, leveraging on its natural advantages and innovative collaborations.

“This year alone, Sarawak has marked key milestones including signing a storage site agreement with Petronas and Japanese consortiums for the M3 depleted field offshore,” he said in his keynote address at the launch of Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGR) Summit in the Sheraton Hotel here today.

Adding on, the Premier said in July, the Sarawak Bid Round offered three new storage sites with a combined capacity of 1,000 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2), attracting international interests.

According to him, these initiatives align with the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), which envisions CCUS generating RM250 billion in economic value over 30 years.

“Complementing these efforts is Sarawak’s commitment to renewable energy, targeting 15 gigawatts of hydropower capacity by 2035.

“This positions the state as a regional green energy hub, enabling electricity exports to countries like Singapore and Indonesia,” he said.

At the summit, the Kuching Low-Carbon Hub was launched, with the objective of further accelerating Sarawak’s transition through the integration of gas-fired power, low-carbon industrial clusters, and world-class CCS infrastructure, projecting investments of up to RM200 billion.

In this regard, Abang Johari viewed such initiatives as ‘embodying’ Sarawak’s balanced approach to economic growth and environmental stewardship through its leadership in CCUS and renewable energy.

The Premier also said that not only this would enhance Sarawak’s economic prospects, but also reinforce its role as a sustainable energy pioneer for Malaysia and the region.