MOSTI Is Spearheading Hydrogen FCEV Adoption In Malaysia

Earlier today, MOSTI announced that it will commence a mobile hydrogen refuelling unit (MHRU) pilot project in Putrajaya by end of this year as part of its bid to create a 'Hydrogen Economy' in Malaysia.

The Malaysian government, through the Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation (MOSTI), is set to spearhead the widespread adoption of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV). Its Minister, Chang Lih Kang, confirmed this earlier today.

Hydrogen FCEVs are set to play a critical part in MOSTI’s aim at creating a ‘Hydrogen Economy’ in Malaysia, which targets to generate up to RM12 billion in revenue by 2030, adds Chang. The minister also notes the aim for green hydrogen fuel being able to compete with petrol by 2050.

PM Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was present to officiate the special demo program held by MOSTI showcasing Hydrogen FCEV tech in Putrajaya earlier today.

For now, we have yet to set the price for green hydrogen because we don't have a plant yet, and it's not yet commercialised, so the price is quite high. But we are working towards that,” said Chang to reporters earlier today during a special demonstration held by the ministry showcasing the tech.

The latter saw MOSTI announcing plans to commence a mobile hydrogen refuelling unit (MHRU) pilot project slated to take place in Putrajaya by end of this year. The ministry has already taken preliminary steps for this by collaborating with key industry players such as UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT).

“The technological resources are already mature, and the cars available. So what we need to do is of course create both supply and demand. We hope that by showcasing this event, the public will have more awareness and also knowledge about this hydrogen technology,” adds Chang further.

MOSTI says it has begun collaborating with key industry players for the MHRU pilot project, chief amongst which being UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) which supplied its groundbreaking Mirai FCEV saloon pictured.

UMWT’s involvement is evident as the Hydrogen FCEV demonstration program held by MOSTI today featured the Toyota Mirai luxury saloon taking centre stage – it was used to usher PM Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to the aforementioned event held at the Complex C government complex, Putrajaya.

The Mirai is a Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) that generates electricity using hydrogen for propulsion, The by-product of which being water sans any carbon emissions. We’ve already gotten acquainted with the Mirai ad the ‘Beyond Zero’ expo held by UMWT last month.

For the unimitated, the videos below ought to explain how Toyota’s FCEV tech works:

Presently, FCEVs like the Mirai aren’t openly on sale in Malaysia just yet. However, the Toyota Mirai, in particular, is serving as fleet vehicles, most notably for the Sarawak state government – arguably a key hub and catalyst for Malaysia’s ‘Hydrogen Economy’ mentioned.

Notably, this initiative by MOSTI also perhaps stands as a reflection of the government’s view towards decarbonisation. It has perhaps taken a page out of Toyota’s multi-pathway philosophy in acknowledging that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are just one of several paths towards decarbonisation.