Is Hydrogen Vehicles Another Option For Malaysians Or Not
In the last decade German automobile manufacturers have invested millions of euros into battery technology and electrification to keep Tesla and also Chinese auto manufacturers out of their EV friendly markets.
Meanwhile, Toyota has been moving in a very different direction. By the way, did you know that Hydrogen is quick to refuel, taking just 3-4 minutes to fill the tank of most Hydrogen vehicles?
This is probably why Toyota has been spending millions on making improvements in fuel cell technology offer up to 30 percent greater range, plus improved acceleration and performance.
Did you know that some four years ago, in a special media preview one day before the opening of the Tokyo Motor Show 2019, Toyota management showed us their concept fuel cell powered Mirai sedan which looked very much like a Lexus sedan, inside and out.
Then in January 2023, UMW Toyota Motor handed over 4 units of hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai’s to Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) Energy.
SEDC Energy is formed under the wing of Sarawak Economic Development Corporation, which is a wholly-owned Government Linked Company. SEDC Energy is tasked with the responsibility to enhance the presence of Sarawak’s relevant new energy and downstream oil & gas businesses globally.
In-line with the vision of the Premier of Sarawak to use new alternative and cleaner energy, the company is also responsible to drive a ‘new energy’ ecosystem within the state of Sarawak. For more information, visit www.sedcenergy.com.
A hydrogen or fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) has an electric motor just like a battery electric vehicle (BEV). The key difference is in the energy storage system. Instead of electricity in the battery, hydrogen is stored in tanks and then converted into electrical energy for the drive unit via the fuel cell.
Hydrogen production in Sarawak makes economic sense, primarily due to the state’s abundant hydropower resources, which can be used to generate green hydrogen at a lower cost compared to other regions.
This cost advantage is expected to become even more pronounced in the future, positioning Sarawak as a potential leader in green hydrogen production and export.
Here’s why hydrogen production is particularly promising in Sarawak:
Abundant Hydropower:
Sarawak has significant hydropower potential, allowing for the production of green hydrogen through electrolysis at a potentially lower cost than relying on fossil fuels or other renewable sources.
Lower Electricity Tariffs:
The state’s favorable topography and hydropower resources lead to lower industrial electricity tariffs, further reducing the cost of hydrogen production.
Cost Reduction Efforts:
Sarawak is actively working to reduce hydrogen production costs through research and development, including partnerships with companies like Siemens, aiming to lower energy consumption per kilogram of hydrogen produced.
Strategic Positioning:
Sarawak aims to establish itself as a regional leader in clean hydrogen production, attracting investment and fostering international partnerships.
Export Potential:
The cost-effective green hydrogen produced in Sarawak could be exported to other countries, particularly those with strong decarbonization goals, like Japan.
Future Cost Reductions:
Analysts predict that green hydrogen costs will decrease significantly in the coming years, making it even more competitive with other energy sources.
Hydrogen Economy Roadmap:
Malaysia has a Hydrogen Technology and Economy Roadmap (HTER) that identifies Sarawak Energy Berhad as a key player in supporting the state’s hydrogen initiatives
