@ green | MARCH-APRIL , 2023
MIGHT powering energy-efficiency solutions
Wasavé intends to harness LNG ’ s cold waste energy to power cooling systems efficiently
We are endowed with different energy resources - oil , gas , wind , solar or hydropower . The energy transition journey towards net zero is about optimising various energy resources to supplement our energy needs efficiently and sustainably .”
– Munira Shahrul Baharin
Minister Chang Lih Kang launching Coldgrow at MIGHT . At right is Munira , Liew ( 4th right ), and Mohd Yusoff ( 3rd left ).
BY DANIAL FAUZI
NATURAL gas is an essential energy source in this modern age . Due to its efficiency and being cleaner as a fossil fuel than coal and oil , applications of natural gas can be found everywhere . Domestic uses include cooking and heating , whilst industrial and commercial applications like electricity generation and the manufacture of plastics are commonplace .
On the other hand , cooling systems are essential to keep machines running and maintain a comfortable work environment , especially in warm tropical climates . The issue is that cooling systems consume more energy at the cost of climate change , emitting double the amount of Greenhouse Gases ( GHG ) than aviation and shipping combined . As populations and industry in tropical areas increase , such GHG emissions are also expected to increase , negatively impacting climate change .
Likewise , natural gas is generally transported via pipelines , but recently , in Malaysia , natural gas , in a liquified form is now available in small quantities and can be supplied in tanks . To deliver gas in liquified form , it is first cooled to cryogenic temperatures of around -160 degrees Celsius , occupying only 1 / 600 of the volume of natural gas in its gaseous state .
This is liquefied natural gas ( LNG ), and in this state , it is easier to transport and more practical to store . Indeed , Malaysia is one of the top five LNG producers , internationally .
Recently , a group of like-minded Malaysian entrepreneurs began thinking about how to deliver improved large-scale solutions that simultaneously meet the high industrial demands of cooling whilst also positively contributing to the global climate agenda .
Their solution is to harness the freezing temperatures associated with LNG and considered a waste product in the regasification process of the liquified natural gas , and use this as an input to cooling systems . LNG IS COOL , ‘ COLDGROW ’ IS COOLER
The individuals behind this undertaking are from Wasavé , a homegrown start-up focusing on energy efficiency technologies .
“ Wasavé has been in the industry since 2020 . We focus on developing and delivering modular energy efficiency concepts by harnessing LNG-based options for users requiring cleaner and / or increased quantities of energy ,” said CEO Munira Shahrul Baharin .
Recently , Wasavé introduced their proprietary Coldgrow technology that harnesses LNG ’ s waste cold energy to provide sustainable and cost-effective cooling .
As conventional chillers powered by electricity or gas consume more energy , Wasavé ’ s Coldgrow technology replaces these traditional cooling methods with their proprietary LNG cooling system , potentially yielding 20-40 per cent savings in total energy bills reducing CO2 emissions by 22-35 per cent .
A COOL COLLABORATION
The Coldgrow CGR energy system was recently launched by Science , Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang at an event at the Malaysian Industry- Government Group for High Technology ( MIGHT ) Partnership Hub in Cyberjaya .
This launch served as a milestone to mark the collaborative efforts between MIGHT and Wasavé to tackle and address the issues of providing alternative solutions in large-scale energy efficiency , climate change , food security and smart city planning .
This collaboration originated from MIGHT ’ s reliance on a 25-year-old district cooling service ( DCS ) operating in Cyberjaya . To provide some leadership in the area of large scale energy efficiency solutions , MIGHT engaged with Wasavé to review their energy consumption patterns and to propose a solution that would reduce energy costs and deliver improved climate change related metrics .
“ Wasavé responded by accelerating their research , development and design plans for their Coldgrow CGR energy system . The collaboration with MIGHT allowed Wasavé to build a prototype facility to test its ideas whilst safely and consistently recirculating LNG to meet MIGHT ’ s cooling demands , effectively replacing the DCS with a more cost-effective and environmentally cleaner solution .
“ This collaboration also focuses on solutions that address highland-to-lowland food security . At MIGHT , Wasavé ’ s versatile Coldgrow CGR energy system will power a modern , smart greenhouse proof-ofconcept ( POC ) facility .
“ This system will be an integral component of the Coldgrow Intelligent Cryogenic Environmental ( ICE ) Solutions being developed by Wasavé ,” said Munira .
A COOL CONCEPT FOR A GREENER FUTURE
With a working system in place , it is hoped that this project and collaboration will usher new research and development opportunities for MIGHT and Wasavé to implement future projects for Malaysia and the region .
Munira pointed out that the attractive element of the Coldgrow technology was its modularity and versatility , allowing it to be deployed across various sectors and facilities within the country and neighbouring countries .
Munira added : “ We are endowed with different energy resources - oil , gas , wind , solar or hydropower . The energy transition journey towards net zero is about optimising various energy resources to supplement our energy needs efficiently and sustainably .
“ Through our Coldgrow Energy Efficiency system , Wasavé aims at being a catalytic enabler , innovating ways in which industries can generate and consume energy efficiently . Energy efficiency enables more competitive products and services whilst reducing emissions and improving energy security .”
Chang commended MiGHT ’ s efforts in adhering to the nation ’ s aspiration towards a Net Zero 2050 target and actively nurturing start-ups in emerging technology areas .
MIGHT President and CEO Datuk Dr Mohd Yusoff Sulaiman viewed the collaboration as a significant milestone in advancing innovation and technology .
He said the technology brought forth by Wasavé was fundamental in addressing and providing alternate solutions to some of the country ’ s energy efficiency needs , climate change challenges , food security , smart city development , social-economic impacts and industry improvements .
“ MIGHT is confident that Wasavé would establish itself as a critical player in the industry , developing a portfolio of next-generation energy processes capable of satisfying more diverse energy needs in a modular and efficient manner , growing into a national asset ,” said Mohd Yusoff .
Wasavé Chief Communications Officer ( CCO ) Alex Iskandar Liew said innovative ideas were always the hardest to take off or gain support .
“ Everyone wants a tried and tested model , which isn ’ t innovation . It ’ s merely best practice ,” said Liew .
“ We are highly grateful to MIGHT for collaborating with us to discover new energy and environmental solutions to aid the national green agenda .
“ This opportunity at MIGHT has enabled us to delve deeper into our technological and commercial R & D to make Coldgrow more accessible to our primary and secondary industries .” – @ Green