It is projected that much of the total demand of hydrogen comes from the transport sector to power fuel cell vehicles, while the rest is being used for a variety of applications such as refining and chemical production, as well as for electricity production and storage.
At present, hydrogen is required in the refining industry as a petrochemical for hydrocracking and desulfurization.
During petroleum refining, hydrogen is used for desulfurization, and thus the requirement for hydrogen in refineries depends on the sulphur level present in petroleum products.
On the other hand, innovations in the hydrogen economy space are also on the rise.
For instance, we can see it in the development of portable hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen storage, and hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Sarawak has also started introducing the use of hydrogen buses in 2019.
Hence, this means that it will lead to more employment opportunities, created in a wide variety of industries, skills, tasks, and earnings.
According to Astute Analytica, the revenue of the hydrogen market is estimated to rise from US$ 206.6 billion in 2022 to US$ 761.3 billion by 2040, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% from 2023-2040.
Analysis by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) of the United Kingdom noted that by 2050, in a high hydrogen scenario, the hydrogen economy could be worth up to £13bn and support up to 100,000 jobs.
In this part of the world, Sarawak is poised to begin large-scale commercial production of green hydrogen by 2027 towards promoting renewable energy and reducing the carbon footprint.
Noting that Sarawak will earn revenue from hydrogen production, the Sarawak Premier, YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg was once quoted saying that Sarawak is working closely with Japan to produce green hydrogen for domestic use as well as export to Japan and Singapore.
“Transitioning to a hydrogen-driven economy will bring multiple benefits to our state, including reduced carbon emissions, enhanced energy security and opportunities for economic growth and job creation,” he said during the forest conservation conference in Kuching on 12June 2023.
The Premier also said that a new revenue stream for the state can come from the export of methanol and hydrogen, as well as by engaging in carbon trading and other green solutions, to achieve an annual growth rate of 8 per cent on average in the state’s GDP to reach its target of more than RM280 billion by 2030, from RM130 billion in 2021.
While most of these jobs do not currently exist, the production of hydrogen at a huge scale requires a skilled and competent workforce.
This is to meet the rising demand for hydrogen in the future that can overcome the technical, economic, and social challenges and barriers for its adoption.
As Sarawak is embarking on creating a new revenue based on green hydrogen, this is an opportunity for the youths in the present as well as the future to pursue various career pathways across the value chain, depending on their skills, competencies, interests, and goals.
For instance, among the career paths in this sector includes renewable energy technician, electrolysis engineer, hydrogen storage specialist, hydrogen distribution manager, fuel cell developer, hydrogen project manager, hydrogen policy analyst, or green hydrogen entrepreneur.
Besides being in demand, these careers can be rewarding and fulfilling opportunities for personal and professional growth and impact.
However, recruiting and training new talent is not without its challenges.
Efforts includes addressing the gap between the existing and required skills and competencies; the mismatch between the supply and demand of green hydrogen workers; the diversity and inclusion issues in the green hydrogen sector; and the uncertainty and volatility of the green hydrogen market and policy environment.
Thus, more is needed to counter the lack of awareness and recognition of green hydrogen as a viable and attractive career option.
