16 focus
@ green | September-October , 2020
Artist impression of multi-fuel refuelling station retail shop .
Hydrogen is very safe when it is being used and stored with the right equipment designed for it . As such we commit to ensure all equipment used are correct and uphold the correct level of maintenance standards . Nevertheless , we need to educate and create awareness in society on the need for cleaner and renewable energy for a sustainable future . This can be done through schools , universities and public engagements via social media .”
• Robert Hardin build more stations to ensure accessibility and convenience for all commuters ,” he said .
Last year , Sarawak launched Southeast Asia ’ s first integrated hydrogen production plant and refuelling station in Kuching . The station was built to compliment Sarawak ’ s first hydrogen fuel cell electric buses under the ownership management of SEDC .
Hardin also acknowledged there had been some challenges , particularly the cost and perception about the safety of hydrogen .
“ The cost of equipment is currently relatively high . However , with the abundance of hydropower and water source in Sarawak , the overall cost of producing the carbon-free green hydrogen is on par or lower than countries who are in the race to establish a hydrogen economy .
“ As the usage of hydrogen becomes more mainstream globally , the cost of such equipment will eventually decrease , and by then , we will already be among the leaders of the hydrogen economy ,” he said . But , just how safe is hydrogen fuel ? “ Hydrogen is very safe when it is being used and stored with the right equipment designed for it . As such we commit to ensure all equipment used are correct and uphold the correct level of maintenance standards .
“ Nevertheless , we need to educate and create awareness in society on the need for cleaner and renewable energy for a sustainable future . This can be done through schools , universities and public engagements via social media ,” Hardin explained .
It was vital , he said , to prepare society to gear towards the hydrogen economy with the aim to leave behind a lesspolluted environment for our future generations .
Sarawak has various advantages in producing green hydrogen . The low cost of hydropower as well as the abundant supply of water , high-skilled manpower and the geographical location of Sarawak being near to developed countries who are aggressively pursuing carbon free energy use and thus will need a steady supply of green hydrogen , all contributes to a bright prospect for green hydrogen to be commercialised in Sarawak .
These attributes give Sarawak the edge and spurred the decision to quickly kickstart the hydrogen economy to be among the first movers in the region .
Hardin added commercialisation and exportation are in the pipeline .
“ We are in the midst of a techno-commercial study for the development of a commercial hydrogen plant specifically for the export market . We are not alone in developing this but in partnership with partners from countries to whom we will be exporting to ,” he said . — @ green