Curtin Malaysia’s hydrogen testbed and refuelling station project pioneering a cleaner energy transition

Miri, Sarawak – 18 September 2024 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) has taken a bold step toward shaping a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for Sarawak with the launch of its groundbreaking Hydrogen Testbed and Refuelling Station Project.

This cutting-edge initiative, unveiled at the Curtin Aquaculture Research Laboratories (CARL) at Curtin Malaysia on 5 September aligns directly with Sarawak’s Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and global energy goals, positioning Curtin Malaysia as a key player in the region’s renewable energy landscape.

The launch, officiated by Sarawak’s Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin on behalf of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, coincided with the International Conference on Energy Transition and Exhibition 2024 (ICETe), further highlighting the project’s role in advancing Sarawak’s clean energy transition.

In attendance were key figures from Curtin Malaysia, including Sharon Chong, Chief Operating Officer; John Curtin Distinguished Professor Ramasamy Nagarajan, Dean of Research and Development; Professor Tuong-Thuy Vu, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Science; Professor Tang Fu Ee, Dean of Learning and Teaching; Dr. Tom Hammond, Trailblazer Programme Lead (Commercialisation) at Curtin University, Perth; and Professor Stephanie Chan Yen San, ICETe 2024 Conference Chair.

Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Curtin Malaysia, Professor Vincent Lee Chieng Chen, emphasised the significance of the project as a major step in the region’s energy transition.

“This Hydrogen Testbed and Refuelling Station marks a milestone not just for Curtin Malaysia but for Sarawak’s journey toward a sustainable and energy-efficient future,” said Prof. Lee. “Hydrogen has immense potential as a clean fuel, and our investment in this technology reaffirms our commitment to a greener, more sustainable future for Sarawak and beyond.”

The project directly supports Sarawak’s PCDS 2030, which envisions a prosperous, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable state. By advancing hydrogen energy research, Curtin Malaysia aims to contribute significantly to Sarawak’s energy transition strategy and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to clean energy and climate action.

“This initiative also resonates with Curtin’s global strategic foci on People, Planet, and Partnerships, cementing its role as a leader in the energy transition,” added Prof. Lee.

Professor Stephanie Chan Yen San, ICETe 2024 Conference Chair, shared insights into the project, highlighting its role in advancing hydrogen as a key component of Sarawak’s future energy mix. The solar-hydrogen testbed, developed in collaboration with Solarvest Borneo, provides students of Curtin Malaysia’s newly launched Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Energy Engineering with invaluable hands-on experience in sustainable energy. It also offers researchers opportunities to explore a range of renewable energy technologies, including solar photovoltaics, electrolysis, and hydrogen storage.

The testbed, located at CARL, includes a 20kWp solar panel installation that will not only power the hydrogen system but also cover 70 to 80 per cent of CARL’s electricity consumption. The hydrogen setup features an electrolyser stack system, a 30-bar/1000L hydrogen storage unit, and a 100L deionised water tank, all designed to explore hydrogen’s role as a clean energy source. Additionally, Curtin Malaysia is acquiring two hydrogen-powered bikes to further explore hydrogen’s applications on campus.

The launch of the Hydrogen Testbed and Refuelling Station Project underscores Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to shaping a sustainable energy future in Sarawak. It exemplifies how academic research, industry partnerships, and state initiatives can converge to drive real-world solutions in the energy sector. As Sarawak looks to diversify its energy mix, the project positions hydrogen as a crucial, sustainable fuel that could transform the state’s energy landscape, reduce carbon emissions, and create a more resilient economy.

The event concluded with Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin symbolically fuelling a hydrogen bike, showcasing the practical applications of hydrogen technology. This gesture, witnessed by key Curtin Malaysia figures, embodied the university’s forward-thinking approach and its alignment with Sarawak’s energy aspirations.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

(From right) Prof. Chan, Chong, Dr. Hammond, Prof. Lee, Dato Sri Lee, Prof. Thuy, Prof. Tang, and Prof. Ramasamy giving thumbs up to the project

Dato Sri Lee fuelling the hydrogen bike to symbolically launch Curtin Malaysia’s Hydrogen Testbed and Refuelling Station Project, with Prof. Chan (right) and Prof. Lee looking on