Making M’sia a green hydrogen export hub

PETALING JAYA: The National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and Hydrogen Economy and Technology Roadmap (HETR) targeted for rollout later this year could pave the way for Malaysia to become a main export hub for green hydrogen by 2027, says an expert.

Prof Chong Meng Nan of Monash University Malaysia’s Chemical Engineering Department said he also foresaw both roadmaps being important for Malaysia’s development.“It will certainly be beneficial for leading experts, scientists and industry practitioners.

Ultimately, we will be able to create a very strong green hydrogen economy and job prospects,” he said.

Malaysia will also be able to better meet its commitments on reducing carbon emissions by 2030 according to the Paris Climate Agreement, he added.

Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia (Awer) president S. Piarapakaran said both roadmaps should address issues related to cost, technology adoption, and energy storage.

He said it was also imperative for the government to involve all relevant stakeholders to prevent project proponents from bloated estimations, resulting in underperforming outputs.

Among the lower hanging fruit that could be focused on when rolling out the roadmaps is ensuring energy efficiency, said Piarapakaran.

“It has been left out for far too long in Malaysia.

“When we invest in high-end technology, it increases our energy cost,” he said.