By Nur Ashikin Louis and Chris Bishop
KUCHING, Jan 16: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg hopes to see the mass production of electrolysers lower the cost of hydrogen production within the next five to 10 years.
An electrolyser is an apparatus which separates hydrogen and oxygen molecules from water using electricity.
Abang Johari explained that the current process of hydrogen production comes at a large cost but there’s a possibility that the cost would decrease with compact mass production of electrolysers.
He cited an example of the earlier days of information technology (IT) where computers were expensive and the size of a cupboard but today, data can be stored in smaller and cheaper computers.
“The scientists are currently studying the manufacturing of electrolysers through mass production. That means there are economies-of-scale. If we have economies-of-scale, the price of electrolysers would be cheaper.
“This means within the next five to 10 years—I might be either right or wrong—the cost of electrolysers would decrease. If it does, that is the key that converts hydrogen (production).
“The production of hydrogen means we would be using it. Thus, we can address climate issues by controlling carbon emissions that contributes to global warming. Maybe Sarawak can make a breakthrough, who knows?” he told reporters at the ‘Toyota Mirai Vehicle Delivery to Premier of Sarawak Ceremony’ event at Menara Pelita here today.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr Abdul Aziz Husain disclosed that SEDC Energy Sdn Bhd and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) had signed agreements in July last year which cover the supply and operation of Petronas’ proprietary Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Electrolyser for the production of green hydrogen that would be delivered to the Darul Hana and Batu Kawa refuelling stations.
“So we will set up the electrolyser factory in Bintawa, Kuching first.
“Of course there is demand (for electrolysers) not only in Sarawak but also from foreign countries,” he stated. — DayakDaily
