MSCA E-NEWSLETTER VOL. 7

Editor’s Picks 2

Transit Industry Commitment in Building Hydrogen Economy Malaysia

By Mohd Zamreen Mohd Amin Senior Lecture College of Built Environment, UiTM

Malaysia is actively seeking innovative solutions to enhance the sustainability of its transit industry, aligning with global efforts to mitigate climate change. One of the most promising avenues is the development of a hydrogen economy, particularly in the transportation sector. Hydrogen, as a clean and efficient energy source, offers significant potential to transform Malaysia’s transit infrastructure, reduce carbon emissions, and foster economic growth. Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, emitting only water vapor as a byproduct. This makes hydrogen an exceptionally clean alternative to fossil fuels. The energy density of hydrogen is also high, which translates to longer ranges and shorter refuelling times compared to battery electric vehicles (EVs). Malaysia’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its national policies and initiatives. The government’s focus on renewable energy, coupled with its strategic location and infrastructure, positions Malaysia as a potential leader in the hydrogen economy. The transportation sector, which significantly contributes to the country’s carbon emissions, is a key target for these efforts. Government Commitment and Policies Malaysia aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels, as part of its commitments under the Paris Agreement. The Malaysian government is actively promoting the adoption of hydrogen technologies through various initiatives and policy frameworks, including the Hydrogen Economy Roadmap, which outlines strategies to develop hydrogen infrastructure and applications.

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MSCA 2024 I VOL 7 I JUNE 2024

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