September-October , 2020 | @ green
industry
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One of Sarawak Energy ’ s hydrogen-powered Hyundai NEXOs .
The Refuelling Station at Southeast Asia ’ s first Integrated Hydrogen Production Plant in Kuching , Sarawak .
Batang Ai HEP . explore the commercial and public application of hydrogen and fuel cell technology .
This can further reduce the reliance on fossil fuel and lower carbon emissions from the public transportation sector .
Hydrogen produced through splitting of water molecules in the electrolyser can be considered clean energy provided the electricity supplied for this electro-chemical process known as electrolysis is from renewable energy .
Hydrogen is a versatile molecule that acts as an energy carrier and delivers a cleaner fuel in mobility and energy storage as well as a feedstock to industrial chemical processes .
Hydrogen produced in Sarawak is considered green for its whole production process utilises energy from the main grid which is generated primarily from renewable hydropower .
In 2019 , Sarawak Energy established and commissioned Southeast Asia ’ s first Integrated Hydrogen Production Plant and Refuelling Station as part of its research and pilot study to harvest green hydrogen towards enabling a hydrogenbased economy for Sarawak .
It now serves as a refuelling station for Sarawak ’ s first hydrogen fuel cell electric buses under the ownership and management of Sarawak Economic Development Corporation ( SEDC ).
Construction and operation of the hydrogen production plant and refuelling station was undertaken by Sarawak Energy in collaboration with Linde EOX Sdn Bhd , a subsidiary of Linde Malaysia .
The collaboration provides a platform for knowledgesharing and transfer of technology . Through the facility ,
Utilising solar power system to provide micro-grids to light up Sarawak ’ s remote hinterland villages .
Energy for Sarawak .
Sarawak Energy is exploring hydrogen ’ s potential to be part of its generation mix as a fuel as well as energy storage with export potential .
Datu Sharbini Suhaili , Sarawak Energy Group Chief Executive Officer , who is also Sector Head for Renewable Energy in the Sarawak Economic Action Council , said : “ At Sarawak Energy , research and development is an integral part of our transformation journey that prepares us for the inevitable shift in the global energy landscape with growing consideration for the environment and issues concerning sustainability .
“ In an era of disruptions , we need to be agile and embrace the changes in the energy landscape , adapting to the best of our ability . The development of hydrogen and fuel cell technology is regarded as the missing link in the value chain of the renewable energy business .
“ Prior to the research on hydrogen and fuel cell application , we were already diversifying our use of other renewables like standalone solar and microhydro hybrid systems as fast-track solutions to electrify remote rural communities that are yet to be connected to the main grid .
“ We are also embarking on plans to develop floating solar at the reservoir of Batang Ai HEP . In addition , we are looking into electric mobility and its charging requirement in the event there is a rise in market demand for these vehicles in future .”
Sarawak Energy currently has four electric cars and 19 electric scooters as part of its corporate fleet , and has acquired two fuel cell electric vehicles , the Hyundai NEXOs powered by Sarawak Energy ’ s very own green hydrogen , to demonstrate its commitment to greening the transportation sector in Sarawak . — @ green