Chang believed that by 2030 , Malaysia ’ s economy might benefit from green hydrogen exports worth RM12 billion .

“ Today ’ s event is an effort to promote the hydrogen economy , especially in the mobility sector , and we would like to showcase to the public that the technology is ready ,” said Chang .

“ The technological resources are already mature , and the cars available . So what we need to do is , of course , create both supply and demand .

“ On the one hand , we need hydrogen technology for users , especially in the mobility sector . But on the other hand , we would also like to boost the supply side production of green hydrogen , or blue , so that we have both supply and demand and a robust ecosystem ,” he said during a Press conference following a demonstration of the Mobile Hydrogen Refueling Unit ( MHRU ) and hydrogenpowered vehicles recently .

“ We hope that by showcasing this event , the public will have more awareness and knowledge about this hydrogen technology . This is something big .”

Chang stated that hydrogen-powered cars or fuel cell electric vehicles ( EVs )

had a low refuelling time .

“ Only three to five minutes to full . Second , the distance is longer ; they range from 700km to 1,000km for every refuelling . And hydrogen fuel cell EVs are lighter compared to other EVs .”

Chang emphasised the importance of hydrogen energy in Malaysia ’ s transition to cleaner energy and meeting its target to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 .

He stated that a mobile hydrogen refuelling unit will be launched in Putrajaya by the end of the year .

On the other hand , Chang stated that efforts to commercialise the usage of hydrogen-powered cars were still

Chang Lih Kang , Minister of Science , Technology , and Innovation ( Mosti ).

being made .

“ If we go commercial , mass production , it can compete with petrol . But bear in mind that petrol is heavily subsidised in Malaysia .”

Tengku Taufik ( 3rd from left ).

FINANCING remains a formidable barrier for firms entering the realm of new energy , hindering progress towards a sustainable transition .

PETRONAS President and CEO Tengku Muhammad Taufik Aziz highlighted prevailing doubts regarding the profitability of renewable energy compared to traditional resources . He expressed concerns about the reliability of renewable energy technology , noting intermittent supply and wavering investor interest across sectors .

Despite these hurdles , Tengku Taufik emphasised the imperative for widespread adoption of green

technology across all industries . He revealed Petronas ’ substantial allocation towards sustainable energy initiatives , acknowledging the significant financial burden it entails .

To address the financing gap in renewable energy ventures , Tengku Taufik proposed a revamped contract structure to enhance project bankability , urging financial institutions to share the responsibility . He stressed the need for unified efforts to prepare Malaysia for forthcoming challenges .

Furthermore , Tengku Taufik emphasised that all sectors must adapt to these changes by enhancing capacity building through relevant

undergraduate programs and skills training .

In alignment with these objectives , Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli announced plans for governmental collaboration with the financial sector to establish an energy transition financing mechanism .

This initiative aims to support companies in participating in green projects , complementing the National Energy Transition Roadmap ( NETR ) objectives . Rafizi emphasised the need for an inclusive ecosystem that enables industries to contribute to green projects beyond traditional initiatives such as solar or hydrogen .

MALAYSIAN authorities have unveiled a rebate scheme to promote the adoption of residential photovoltaic ( PV ) installations . The Solar for Rakyat Incentive Scheme ( SolaRIS ) initiative offers new net-metering users rebates ranging from RM1,000 to RM4,000 per kilowatt ( AC ).

Under the scheme ’ s structure , rebates are allocated on a first-come , first-served basis . Applicants must ensure their PV systems are operational by March 31 , 2025 , or until allocated quotas are depleted . The application process commenced on Apr 1 and will remain open until the end of the year .

The State-owned utility Tenaga Nasional Bhd ( TNB ) administers the rebate programme . Eligibility is restricted to TNB residential customers holding Malaysian citizenship .

This initiative is aligned with Malaysia ’ s strategic objectives in renewable energy , as outlined by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water . SolaRIS is poised to contribute to the nation ’ s target of elevating renewable energy capacity in the electricity supply system to 70 per cent by 2050 , thereby facilitating a reduction in carbon emissions from the electricity sector .

As of the close of 2023 , Malaysia had successfully installed 1,933 megawatts of solar capacity , according to data compiled by the International Renewable Energy Agency ( IRENA ). The announcement of the fifth round of its large-scale solar tender further underscores Malaysia ’ s commitment to expanding renewable energy infrastructure , with up to 2 gigawatts allocated for rooftop , ground-mount , and floating solar projects .

The introduction of SolaRIS marks a significant milestone in Malaysia ’ s journey towards establishing a sustainable energy landscape . It empowers residential consumers to participate actively in the nation ’ s renewable energy transition . - @ green