NanoMalaysia Berhad (NMB), under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Australia's leading integrated green technology, energy, and metals company, Fortescue. This collaboration aims to explore opportunities for research and development in Malaysia's burgeoning green hydrogen industry. The signing ceremony, witnessed by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang, took place during the Connecting Green Hydrogen APAC 2024 conference in Melbourne.

This partnership signifies a critical step towards Malaysia's ambition to become a leading Hydrogen Economy by 2050, as outlined in the Hydrogen Economy and Technology Roadmap (HETR) launched last October. MOSTI is at the forefront of Malaysia's science and technology agenda, focusing on sustainable energy solutions. The HETR addresses key energy challenges—reliability, affordability, and sustainability—on the path to carbon neutrality.

The roadmap's 'Build Some, Buy Some' approach for the short-term plan (2022-2030) encourages the integration of both local and foreign hydrogen technologies. This strategy is vital for achieving competitive hydrogen generation costs globally. Malaysia plans to create a comprehensive ecosystem, encompassing the supply chain from raw materials to advanced materials, component fabrication, system integration, large-scale production, and market penetration through smart joint ventures and project investments.

International expertise, such as that from Fortescue, will be pivotal while local companies develop technologies tailored to primary technology niches. Technology transfer will extend beyond direct importation to include education and training, optimising the ecosystem cost-effectively through international partnerships.

The collaboration between NMB and Fortescue could also lead to the development of Hydrogen Hubs in Malaysia. These hubs will gather hydrogen stakeholders and house facilities for hydrogen production, storage, distribution, and transportation. NMB also proposes establishing the HEBATT (Hydrogen-Electric Vehicle-Battery) Centre of Excellence in Malaysia, facilitating the exchange of technological expertise with Fortescue.

Dr Rezal Khairi Ahmad, CEO of NanoMalaysia Berhad, highlighted NMB's efforts under MOSTI in developing local hydrogen technology solutions through the Venture Builder (VB) model, involving collaborations with industry, academia, inter-ministry bodies, public agencies, and international entities. A notable initiative is the 'Hydrogen EcoNanoMY' programme under the 12th Malaysia Plan, focusing on local hydrogen technology development, a Hybrid Hydrogen Energy Storage System (H2SS) concept, efficient electrolysers, and applications ranging from drones to vehicles and stationary facilities.

The Hydrogen EcoNanoMY programme has established a foundation for local hydrogen production, storage, and application technology, alongside crucial intellectual property, laying the groundwork for a robust hydrogen economy. This aligns with Malaysia's goal of achieving technological sovereignty across the value chain in the Asia Pacific.

The MOU was signed by Dr. Rezal Khairi Ahmad for NanoMalaysia Berhad and Edgar Ramani, Fortescue's Vice President for Asia Pacific. Prof. Emeritus Dato' Ir. Dr Mohamad Zawawi Bin Ismail, Chairman of NanoMalaysia, and Nik Muhammad Nasyron Syah bin Nik Daud, the Counsel General of Malaysia in Melbourne, were also present at the meeting and ceremony.