KUCHING, Jan 26 (Bernama) -- PETRONAS Research Sdn Bhd (PRSB), a subsidiary of PETRONAS, and SEDC Energy Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), have signed an agreement to develop technology for microalgae oil production.
 
Under the agreement, PRSB and SEDC Energy will jointly develop algae production technology which includes cultivation, harvesting and extraction of crude algae oil, that will later be refined to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
 
Both parties will also deep dive into the commercial production requirements for crude algae oil, including developing algae strains with high oil content at a competitive production cost.
 
The signatories to the agreement, signed in Kuching on 20 January, were PRSB Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Norhayati Hashim and SEDC Energy CEO Robert Hardin.
 
Also present at the event were SEDC Chairman Tan Sri Dr. Abdul Aziz Husain; Deputy State Secretary (Economic Planning & Development) Datu Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel; Permanent Secretary to Sarawak Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Azmi Bujang; and PETRONAS Senior Vice President of Project Delivery and Technology Datuk Bacho Pilong.
 
Tan Sri Dr. Abdul Aziz said, “Aside from the development of Sarawak’s Hydrogen Economy, we acknowledge the significance of alternative low carbon initiatives as the world transitions from conventional hydrocarbon fuels. It has been Sarawak’s interest to explore as many solutions as possible to mitigate carbon emissions and the collaboration with PETRONAS in the development of next generation renewable oil can potentially be a game-changer.”
 
Datuk Bacho said, “We believe crude algae oil has the potential to support PETRONAS’ Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050 aspiration, and we welcome collaborations with like-minded partners like SEDC who share our vision. We also look forward to playing our role in realising the State’s sustainability goals.”

About Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS)
 
We are a dynamic global energy group with presence in over 50 countries. We produce and deliver energy and solutions that power society’s progress in a responsible and sustainable manner.
 
We seek energy potential across the globe, optimising value through our integrated business model. Our portfolio includes cleaner conventional and renewable resources and a ready range of advanced products and adaptive solutions.
 
Sustainability is at the core of what we do as we harness the good in energy to elevate and enrich lives. People are our strength and partners for growth, driving our passion for innovation to progress towards the future of energy sustainability.

About SEDC Energy Sdn Bhd  
 
SEDC Energy Sdn Bhd (SEDCe) is a wholly owned subsidiary of SEDC (Sarawak Economic Development Corporation) and is the implementer of Sarawak’s Sustainable, Green Energy initiatives. Since the formation of SEDC Energy, it is also appointed by the government of Malaysia as one of the new oil companies. SEDC Energy is involved in the downstream oil & gas industry and developing projects in low carbon emissions in the transition to the fuel of the future, hydrogen.
 
SEDC Energy aims to promote economic development in the State, as a catalyst, with emphasis on pioneering and strategic industries; to undertake investments and manage commercial projects, directly or on a joint-venture basis; to undertake programs and schemes to enhance the development of local entrepreneurs in commerce and industry, as a trust agency; and to develop special projects for the government to enhance the general economic well-being and quality of life of the people in the State.
 
SEDC Energy Sdn Bhd, responsible for kickstarting the “new energy” ecosystem in Sarawak was established in 2019 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of SEDC. In line with Sarawak government’s vision to emphasize the use of new and cleaner energy, SEDC Energy will be the corporation to move forward with the state’s vision.

Issued by
 
Media Communications Department
Group Strategic Communications
PETRONAS

Link to photos: 
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TYefAcIwuyogu9WSa48U_vTaP48wExZe?usp=share_link
 
Caption
 
Photo 1: PETRONAS and SEDC Energy collaborate to develop next generation renewable oil that can potentially be a game-changer. Standing from left; Azmi Bujang, Deputy State Secretary Sarawak Economic Planning & Development and Council Member of Sarawak Biodiversity Centre Datu Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, Tan Sri Dr. Abdul Aziz Husain, and Datuk Bacho Pilong. Seated from left; Adam Nasir Nawi, Head of Advanced Expertise Common Centre from PETRONAS Group Research & Technology, Norhayati Hashim, Robert Hardin, and Aazina Mujahid Lee, SEDC Energy Head of Legal.
 
Photo 2: Under the agreement, PRSB and SEDC Energy will jointly develop algae production technology to extract crude algae oil that will later be refined to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

SOURCE: PETRONAS

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Estee Aina Huslan   
Tel: +60 12 228 3377   
Email: esteeaina.huslan@petronas.com

Name: Denil Ngumbang          
Tel: +60 19 815 8236   
Email: denil@sedcenergy.com 

--BERNAMA