HYDROGEN fuel is gaining traction as a viable alternative to natural gas in industries, especially hard-to-abate sectors including oil and gas refineries, chemicals and fertilisers, manufacturing, mobility and electricity production.
Unlike fossil fuels, hydrogen produces water rather than carbon dioxide when combusted, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The three main types of hydrogen are grey, blue and green.
Green hydrogen is considered the most sustainable because it is produced using renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydroelectric power. Its production releases oxygen and generates no carbon dioxide.
Grey hydrogen is generated from fossil fuels and releases carbon emissions, while blue hydrogen uses the same process but incorporates carbon capture and storage to trap up to 90% of emissions.
Currently, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the majority of the global production of hydrogen utilises fossil fuels.
Given the potential of hydrogen, many countries, including Malaysia, aim to make green hydrogen a key component of their energy transition agenda.
In 2023, the Malaysian government launched the Hydrogen Economy and Technology Roadmap (HETR) to support hydrogen development, while the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) has positioned hydrogen as one of the energy transition levers to reduce emissions and diversify energy supply.
Tokyo-based TMEIC Corporation (TMEIC), a Japanese powerhouse electronics company, has developed an advanced Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) rectifier to support companies across the globe, including those in Malaysia, in producing green hydrogen. With the IGBT rectifier, grid electricity is converted into clean, stable power for hydrogen production.
Established in 2003 through the integration of the industrial businesses of Toshiba Corporation and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, TMEIC leverages the technologies and business foundations of both companies to maximise its capability in core competency areas such as industrial systems, power electronics equipment and rotating machinery. In addition, it has expanded its business scope by entering the renewable energy sector and strengthening its global operations.
TMEIC Asia Pte Ltd (TMEIC Asia), based in Singapore, serves as the headquarters in South-East Asia and provides products, engineering and after-sales services for industrial electric and automation systems throughout the region, including Malaysia.
TMEIC Asia general manager Saravanan Sathasivam shares how the company is leveraging the increased demand in hydrogen and the value its IGBT rectifier can bring to green hydrogen producers.
What is the current environment surrounding the hydrogen energy sector in Malaysia?
Saravanan: The hydrogen energy market is emerging as a key pillar in global decarbonisation strategies. In Malaysia, the government and related industries are investing heavily in green hydrogen to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels.
The market environment in the country is shaped by supportive national policies, falling renewable energy costs and a growing demand for hydrogen in transportation, power generation and industrial applications.
However, challenges persist, whereby high production costs, limited infrastructure for storage and distribution and technological inefficiencies hinder large-scale adoption. In addition, safety concerns and regulatory gaps also pose barriers. Addressing these issues is critical for hydrogen to become a sustainable and competitive energy solution.
What is the business potential of TMEIC Asia in the Malaysian market?
Saravanan: Malaysia is establishing itself as a regional hub for hydrogen in South-East Asia, supported by ambitious initiatives and strategic international collaborations. Sarawak, for example, is a state in Malaysia that is abundant in renewable resources and aspires to emerge as a significant contributor to the green hydrogen industry. Advancing forward, we are fully committed to enhancing our presence in the hydrogen market in this country.
What are the features of TMEIC’s IGBT model hydrogen rectifiers?
Saravanan: TMEIC’s state-of-the-art IGBT rectifier technology effectively addresses the challenges of green hydrogen production by inherently generating lower harmonics (reduced electrical distortions created from power conversion) and sustaining a high power factor, which can minimise or completely eliminate the necessity for external capacity banks and filtering equipment. This optimised design decreases the installation footprint, engineering expenses and system complexity.
Furthermore, the rectifier provides exceptionally low direct current (DC) ripple, which guarantees the efficient operation of electrolysers and maximises hydrogen output.
Where are the IGBT rectifiers being used?
Saravanan: Numerous hydrogen production demonstration projects have implemented TMEIC’s advanced power supply systems, including installations of proton exchange membranes (PEM), alkaline water electrolysers (AWE) and solid oxide electrolyser cells (SOEC). These projects were carried out in partnership with leading industrial collaborators, original equipment manufacturers and developers. So far, these projects have functioned seamlessly, showcasing the reliability and efficiency of our technology and its adaptability across various electrolyser technologies.
Complementing our systems, TMEIC’s extensive global network of engineering teams, manufacturing facilities, service networks and knowledge hubs allows for a swift response to customer requirements and offers ongoing lifecycle support on a global scale.
How do customers benefit from TMEIC’s IGBT model hydrogen rectifiers?
Saravanan: Our product offers double conversion alternating current (AC)-DC converters and DC-DC choppers. Moreover, TMEIC provides highly customizable modular rectifier systems available in both cabinet and containerised solutions, including stackable container options that optimise space requirements and reduce on-site installation time.
Our rectifier’s low harmonics, high power factor and low ripple eliminate the requirement for additional components such as a harmonics filter, capacitor bank and complex phase shift transformers, thereby reducing the total system cost and maintaining high reliability. This product also ensures grid stability and improves the system power factor by exporting reactive power back to the grid.
In the long run, what kind of legacy does TMEIC hope to build within the hydrogen and clean energy space?
Saravanan: Hydrogen is projected to be crucial in the global effort to decarbonise, with significant investments in infrastructure expected in the next 10 years. The success of hydrogen projects will hinge on reducing both capital and operational expenses while maintaining efficiency.
TMEIC understands this necessity and is dedicated to assisting hydrogen infrastructure developers around the world. Leveraging its established project expertise, TMEIC is devoted to a legacy of providing high-performance and technology-oriented power electronics solutions and aims to be a reliable partner in fostering a carbon-neutral society not only in the Malaysian market but across the globe.
For more information on TMEIC’s IGBT rectifier, watch this video.
To know more about TMEIC Asia, visit the company’s LinkedIn page.
