Universiti Malaya, in collaboration with Epro Advance Technology from Hong Kong, announced on 13 Dec 2023, the world’s first silicon-fueled hydrogen genset. It is an innovative solution to replace highly polluting diesel gensets that power construction sites, serve as backup power units in commercial buildings, chemical industries, and data centers, among others.
The silicon-fueled hydrogen genset allows ultrapure hydrogen to be generated on demand and off-grid. Due to its high purity, the hydrogen can be used directly in a fuel cell to produce electricity. The typical use of fuel cells requires a significant amount of hydrogen storage at high pressure or under cryogenic temperatures on-site, presenting a safety hazard as hydrogen is highly flammable. Instead, the silicon-fueled genset produces hydrogen on demand (where electricity is required). That way, only a minimal amount of hydrogen is stored on-site.
Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaya, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Nor Azuan Abu Osman, in his speech during the launch, said that he is immensely honored to preside over this inaugural event, marking a new chapter for Universiti Malaya in its collaborations with leading innovators in the industry. This momentous occasion signifies not just a ceremony but a symbolic leap towards a future where academic and real-world applications converge seamlessly.
“The culmination of our joint enterprise is the creation of the first-ever silicon-fueled hydrogen genset, a revolutionary technology poised to redefine energy standards. This project, born from three years of intensive research and partnership, stands as a testament to our dedication and expertise. The hydrogen genset represents a significant leap in green technology, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional diesel gensets,” he added.
“The launched genset shall be shipped immediately to its first customer, a major construction company in Hong Kong. The subsequent international orders include those in the energy, fisheries and mining industries, where decarbonization solutions are urgently required.” quipped Mr Albert Lau, the Chief Executive Officer of Epro Advance Technology.
According to Universiti Malaya’s researcher from the Faculty of Engineering, Associate Professor Dr. Wey Yang Teoh, the other inherent advantage of the silicon-fueled hydrogen genset lies in the silicon itself. The proprietary nanoporous silicon, which is safe and does not require special handling, can be manufactured anywhere that has an abundance of renewable energies – be it Bakun Dam in Sarawak, wind farms in the North Sea, or solar farms in the desert of Xian, China.
“The silicon as an energy carrier can be easily transported, regionally or across continents. When reaching the site, the silicon can be easily converted to hydrogen and further to electricity through the genset. In other words, the technology allows the redistribution of renewable hydrogen/energy throughout the world in a safe, practical, and efficient manner. This is, in fact, the biggest bottleneck in the implementation of the global hydrogen economy.
“Moreover, the byproduct of silicate produced from hydrogen generation can be easily converted to high-performance, structural green concrete – in itself a product of high demand. The launch of the technology surrounding the silicon-fueled hydrogen genset is regarded as a significant stepping stone in charting the path forward for Malaysia and the world in the highly competitive hydrogen economy,” Dr. Wey Yang Teoh said.
Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Nor Azuan Abu Osman also announced a collaboration with Epro Advance Technology to set up the World’s first silicon-fueled hydrogen refuelling station. The collaboration includes replacing the university shuttle buses that currently run on fossil fuels with clean hydrogen buses. The Vice-Chancellor has every intention to convert the university ground to a testbed for home-grown, cutting-edge technologies.