Nanotechnology-integrated hydrogen solutions fuel Malaysia ’ s clean energy future

BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN

NanoMalaysia Berhad ( NMB ) Chief Executive Officer Dr Rezal Khairi Ahmad emphasised the pivotal role of nanotechnology in revolutionising various industries , including energy .

“ Nanotechnology means the technology of small things . We can relate nanotechnology to the world because everything comprises atoms and molecules . Therefore , it can be applied within any industry , including healthcare , electronics , and mobility .”

NMB , Malaysia ’ s leader in nanotechnology , recognised the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier .

“ We started putting a great interest and investing in hydrogen space way back in 2016 , as we knew the advent of the hydrogen wave was coming .”

NMB has spearheaded numerous hydrogen-related initiatives that are integrated seamlessly with nanotechnology .

GAME-CHANGING INNOVATIONS

NMB ’ s groundbreaking innovation lies in developing solid-state hydrogen technology using graphene ultrareceptors . This homegrown solution is poised to revolutionise how hydrogen is stored and utilised .

“ With this innovation , which we

Dr Rezal Khairi Ahmad

developed with our local partner , we can release hydrogen from the solid-state source when needed . And since 2016 , this innovation has translated several permutations into various applications .

“ We flew our first drone using the technology , powered purely by hydrogen , and we found that it has an advantage of flying four times longer compared to battery-operated drones . This breakthrough gave us a lightbulb moment to pivot the system into road vehicles .”

Apart from solid-state hydrogen technology , NMB ’ s other hydrogen-related initiatives integrated with nanotechnology include :

• Anion Exchange Membrane ( AEM ) electrolyser ( via nanomembrane technology );

• Nanocatalyst-driven Photochemical Hydrogen Production

• Advanced pyrolysis , which is also able to produce graphene . The government recognised NMB ’ s exemplary work in the hydrogen space . Thus , it was appointed as the lead author and chief consultant in developing Malaysia ’ s Hydrogen Economy and Technology Roadmap ( HETR ). The HETR spans from 2022 to 2050 and outlines strategic objectives and pathways towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 .

“ One of the core strategies behind HETR is ‘ Build Some , Buy Some ’. From here , nanotechnology can play a pivotal role in enhancing efficiency and / or replacement with alternate nanomaterials , which may be cheaper , especially in fuel cell / electrolyser technologies ,” explained Rezal .

NAVIGATING CHALLENGES TOWARDS HYDROGEN ADOPTION

The transition to a hydrogen economy faces several hurdles , with cost being a primary concern . Rezal noted the current high cost of hydrogen energy compared to fossil fuels , making it less accessible for widespread adoption .

“ For example , in California , USA , news indicated that sales of FCEVs slumped 70 per cent compared to the previous year mainly due to higher hydrogen costs .

“ In Malaysia , this is further exacerbated due to fossil fuel subsidies . We also do not have enough hydrogen to produce and sell .”

He also stressed the need for balanced demand and supply orchestration to prevent oversupply or underutilisation of hydrogen in Malaysia .

“ We need to overcome the costprohibitive nature of hydrogen . One way to address the challenge is to continue aggressively with R & D and infuse the technologies with nanotech to reduce the Levelised Cost of Hydrogen ( LCOH ) to US $ 1 per kg , in line with HETR ’ s target by 2050 .”

NMB aims to tackle the supply and demand challenges by fostering collaborations and scaling up technologies , thereby driving local innovations . Moreover , strategic partnerships with key industries , such as transportation and manufacturing , can accelerate the integration of hydrogen-powered solutions into existing infrastructures .

CAPITALISING ON MARKET TRENDS WITH NANOTECHNOLOGY

Rezal stated : “ Trends usually emerge in response to challenges . So , the primary challenge is cost . So , at NMB , under the Ministry of Science , Technology and Innovation ( MOSTI ) ecosystem , we are driving the innovation agenda to reduce hydrogen production costs .”

Nanotechnology ’ s adoption in the energy industry reflects a response to cost challenges .

From solid-state technology to nanomembranes and photochemical production , nanotechnology enhances efficiency and offers alternative solutions , driving Malaysia ’ s hydrogen energy agenda forward .

“ In general , nanotechnology is envisaged to increase efficiency and / or as an alternate technology to replace expensive materials .”

NMB collaborates with international partners and organisations to stay at the forefront of nanotechnology . Initiatives with UNIDO and partnerships with organisations in Austria , Spain , Poland , and Australia facilitate knowledge exchange and technological advancements , propelling Malaysia ’ s hydrogen energy ambitions .

NMB ’ s contributions to clean energy extend beyond hydrogen , encompassing diverse solutions like nano-based lubricants , cooling systems , and lightweight automotive materials .

A VISION FOR DECENTRALISED HYDROGEN PRODUCTION

NMB advocates for diverse sources of hydrogen production , empowering individuals to generate hydrogen similar to solar energy .

“ Look at the various sources of hydrogen around Malaysia . You can produce hydrogen from water , municipal waste , domestic waste , and even palm oil mill effluent . Everywhere . So , that is key .

“ We need to deploy the right size technology , innovation , and solution to realise that . Through innovative solutions , we can produce hydrogen at our respective homes .”

Rezal underscored the importance of decentralised and democratised hydrogen production .

“ We shouldn ’ t replicate the model preexisting in the oil and gas industry . Otherwise , we will face the same cyclical crisis the oil and gas industry faces . Also , if hydrogen production is overcentralised , it will become expensive and commoditised .”

He concluded Malaysia could navigate the nascent hydrogen economy by deploying scalable technologies and solutions . – @ green