Sabah Sets Sights on Leading Green Hydrogen Production Through OTEC Technology

28 September 2024

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is positioning itself to become a leader in green hydrogen production, leveraging Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) technology as a catalyst for the state's energy transition.

Datuk Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid, Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS), emphasized the transformative potential of OTEC during a recent address.

According to Abdul Nasser, OTEC could significantly reshape Sabah’s energy landscape, establishing the state as a front-runner in renewable energy production.

Citing research conducted by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Abdul Nasser highlighted that Sabah holds the highest potential for OTEC development in Malaysia.

The study, which examined the seabed topography and the thermal gradients in Sabah's waters, revealed a staggering 20,000-megawatt potential for energy generation using OTEC technology.

"Even if only a fraction of this potential is harnessed, it would still result in a substantial amount of energy being converted into electricity. With such an abundant supply of electricity, you unlock the potential to produce a wide range of other products, including green hydrogen,” he stated, as reported by The New Straits Times.

Abdul Nasser made these comments following the launch of two new online applications by ECoS during an event held at a local hotel on Thursday. He also disclosed that the commission has initiated a two-year feasibility study focused on OTEC in Sabah’s east coast region.

In addition to electricity generation, Abdul Nasser noted that OTEC technology could be used for water desalination, producing fresh water, and facilitating electrolysis processes to create green hydrogen.

“Our focus is on producing green hydrogen, which can generate significant revenue, making OTEC a commercially viable option for large-scale development," he explained. While the cost of building OTEC facilities is expected to be double that of traditional hydroelectric power plants, the long-term benefits, particularly in producing valuable by-products like green hydrogen, make it a worthwhile investment.

Abdul Nasser further revealed that recent legislative developments in Sabah have spurred interest from international companies, particularly from Australia and the United Kingdom. He noted that developed nations, including Japan, have an increasing demand for green hydrogen, which aligns with their energy transition goals.

"When we talk about green hydrogen, it has to originate from a renewable, green source. Unlike grey hydrogen, which is derived from natural gas, green hydrogen is seen as vital for sustainability and energy transition. Countries are now actively seeking green hydrogen to meet their sustainability agendas. OTEC can be the game changer that satisfies this demand, driving global efforts to transition to cleaner energy,” he said.

With its vast untapped resources and strategic focus on OTEC technology, Sabah is poised to play a crucial role in the future of renewable energy and green hydrogen production, potentially becoming a global leader in these fields.