The first hydrogen refuelling stations and hydrogen public buses are expected to be operational in Peninsular Malaysia next year, according to the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Chang Lih Kang.
He said that with Sarawak already embracing hydrogen vehicles and trams, it was only proper for the peninsula to initiate a similar effort to tap into the clean energy.
“The peninsula is poised to establish its first hydrogen station next year, alongside the introduction of several hydrogen cars and public buses. Once the first hydrogen refuelling station is operational, we will introduce multiple hydrogen vehicles for trial runs and deploy public buses powered by hydrogen,” Chang said.
The first hydrogen refuelling station is a collaboration between the Malaysian government and Gentari, the clean energy subsidiary of Petronas.
According to the mister, the ministry has invested RM12 million in the hydrogen initiative, reflecting the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable and innovative energy solutions.
He added that the importance of Malaysia’s hydrogen-based energy ecosystem would align with the national hydrogen agenda, and this alignment will be outlined in the upcoming Hydrogen Economy and Technology Roadmap 2022-2050 (HETR).
“Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to launch HETR and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) in October,” the minister said.
Chang explained the rationale behind Malaysia’s simultaneous focus on EVs and hydrogen-powered vehicles, pointing out that the usage rate of battery-electric vehicles was not ideal due to charging and pricing concerns.
“The government, therefore, is dedicated to the collaborative efforts of the public and private sectors, which will play a key role in achieving the nation’s goal of establishing 10,000 hydrogen refuelling stations across the country by 2025,” he said.
“Hydrogen vehicles are gaining momentum, so while Malaysia continues developing EV technology, it does not deter the government’s strategic approach to growing green vehicles and fostering a sustainable transportation landscape,” Chang added.
The HETR is structured in three phases: the short-term phase from 2022 to 2030 covering the 12th and 13th Malaysia Plans, the medium-term phase from 2031 to 2040 covering the 14th and 15th Malaysia Plans, and the long-term phase from 2041 to 2050, covering the 16th and 17th Malaysia Plans.
