Premier: Innovation in pipelines sector crucial in green energy development era

MIRI (Oct 2): The pipelines sector will continue to remain relevant in Sarawak’s new energy development that focuses on green technology and sustainability.

According to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, the sector is no longer operating in isolation as now, it is closely intertwined with digital technologies, environmental sustainability, and energy transition strategies.

In this regard, he believes that pipelines will continue to play a critical role in ensuring energy security ad driving economic growth in Borneo.

“Sarawak is on the cusp of a new era of energy development.

“Our focus on green technology and sustainability sets the stage for a future where energy efficiency and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.

“Pipelines remain vital in this transition, not only as conduits for conventional energy resources, but also as key enablers of our ambition to become a leader in renewable energy, particularly in hydrogen technology,” said Abang Johari in his speech for the opening of Borneo Pipelines Conference (BPC) 2024, here yesterday.

In the message read out by Deputy Minister of Public Utilities and Communications Sarawak Datuk Liwan Lagan, the Premier commended the Young Pipeline Professionals Malaysia (YPP Malaysia) and Persatuan Pakar Saluran Paip (PPSP) for hosting the inaugural conference, which he hailed as ‘an excellent platform for fostering collaboration between industry leaders, researchers and policymakers from across Southeast Asia and Europe’.

“Sarawak has set its sights on achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and it is investing heavily in renewable energy sources such as hydropower, solar energy and biofuels, apart from pioneering the development of hydrogen energy, which holds great promise for a sustainable future.

“As the global community transitions towards cleaner energy solutions, the pipeline industry must also evolve and innovate, as the technologies set to increase the efficiency, safety and sustainability of pipeline operations will be crucial in securing the future of energy supply.

“This is why conferences like the Borneo Pipeline Conference are so vital. They provide an opportunity for industry stakeholders to come together, exchange knowledge, explore the latest innovations, and chart the course for the future of pipeline infrastructure.”

“The discussions held here over the next few days will be instrumental in shaping the future of energy infrastructure across the region,” he elaborated.

Specifically, Abang Johari said he had high expectations in the panel discussions on ‘The Future of Pipeline Industry: Empowering Young Professionals for Growth and Innovation’, which he said would highlight the critical need of engaging and mentoring the next generation of industry leaders.

Meanwhile in his speech earlier, YPP and BPC chairman Chia Kah Soon described the theme of this conference, ‘Pipeliners, Connecting the Dots’, as reflective of the goal of uniting those in the pipeline industry on a shared platform, while the technical theme ‘Innovative Solutions and Technologies in the Pipeline Industry towards Energy Security’, meant to underscore the critical role played by the young professionals in shaping the future of energy supply.

The three-day BPC 2024 ends tomorrow.