KUCHING: A business delegation from Germany has expressed interest in exploring investment opportunities in the green energy and sustainable technology sectors in Sarawak, which are viewed as having significant potential as a future energy hub in the region.

Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability (MEESty) Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni said a total of 18 German companies participated in a roundtable dialogue session with the ministry to explore potential strategic collaboration in the state.

He stated that the delegation which was led by Executive Director of the Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry Hannes Farlock comprised participants from various sectors including transportation, oil and gas, human resource management, hydrogen, infrastructure and technology providers.

“They are here to explore the opportunities offered by Sarawak based on the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), as well as the state’s hydrogen roadmap and energy transition plans,” he said.

“Among the sectors of focus are hydropower, solar, hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, transportation, carbon capture and storage (CCS), as well as bioenergy,” he added.

Datuk Dr Hazland made the remarks at a press conference after chairing the MEESty Ministry Roundtable with the German Business Delegation at Baitulmakmur II here on Friday.

He further stated that the global energy crisis and prevailing geopolitical tensions have also prompted German companies to explore potential locations for future investments including within the Asian region.

“They believe that the future of energy will move towards greener, cleaner and alternative sources, with a reduction in dependence on oil and gas,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hannes added that his delegation greatly appreciated the sharing of information and Sarawak’s green energy development vision presented during the dialogue session.

According to him, German technological expertise has many similarities with Sarawak’s broader aspirations in green energy development including hydrogen and renewable energy.

He also viewed Sarawak as a region with strong potential for German companies to explore, pointing out that most of their operations are currently concentrated in Peninsular Malaysia.

“We are returning with very positive impressions and hope to create business opportunities in the future,” he said. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Grace John Lee
Photo: Suhaila AW
Translator: Suhaila AW