First Solid-State Hydrogen Reactor in 2025?

Malaysia’s first solid-state hydrogen reactor for sustainable electricity generation in rural areas will be launched in the first quarter of 2025. That is according to the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti). A 5kW reactor will be deployed in Tanjung Malim, Perak. The hydrogen reactor is intended to power the community hall for the Orang Asli, with expansion to clinics if the deployment is successful.

If Malaysia succeeds in its hydrogen roadmap, it could enter the international green hydrogen market, securing a strong global position. Sarawak is leading in efforts to promote hydrogen vehicles, having established multi-fuel refuelling stations offering consumers options of conventional fossil fuels, electricity for EV charging and hydrogen refuelling.

 

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The state government intends to set up six multi-fuel stations with facilities already operational in Kuching and the Daro District. Currently, there are five hydrogen cars in Sarawak, and the state government has launched a hydrogen-powered “smart tram” and hydrogen buses.

Sarawak has established two clean hydrogen production plants. One is a joint venture with (South) Korea, and the other with Japan. The green hydrogen produced there is exported to Japan and (South) Korea. Mosti said NanoMalaysia Bhd (NMB), which is under the ministry, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Australia’s Fortescue to explore collaboration opportunities in research and development in Malaysia’s green hydrogen industry. The NMB Hydrogen HyPEReactor (5kW) would produce hydrogen gas to be fed into a fuel cell to generate electricity and that the system’s input material could be recycled up to 500 times.

The HyPEReactor will be deployed in Pos Tibang, Perak, and Kampung Tekam, Johor, with a project investment cost of RM2mil. With additional budget allocation, expansion could include powering lighting for food trucks, night markets and Ramadan bazaars as an alternative to diesel generators. Budget 2025 will fund operations and maintenance and upgrade the HyPEReactor to include automation.

As end 2023, Sarawak’s power generation capacity stood at 5,675MW, with hydroelectric plants contributing 3,452MW. Studies indicate that Sarawak has the potential to harness up to 20,000MW of hydropower across 52 sites.

Reference:

First solid-state hydrogen reactor launching next year, The Star, 15 November 2024