Malaysia
Sustainable Vehicles for Decarbonizing the Transport Sector: A Comparison of Biofuel, Electric, Fuel Cell and Solar-powered Vehicles
Mar 2024
Publication
Climate change necessitates urgent action to decarbonize the transport sector. Sustainable vehicles represent crucial alternatives to traditional combustion engines. This study comprehensively compares four prominent sustainable vehicle technologies: biofuel-powered vehicles (BPVs) fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) electric vehicles (EVs) and solar vehicles. We examine each technology’s history development classification key components and operational principles. Furthermore we assess their sustainability through technical factors environmental impacts cost considerations and policy dimensions. Moreover the discussion section addresses the challenges and opportunities associated with each technology and assesses their social impact including public perception and adoption. Each technology offers promise for sustainable transportation but faces unique challenges. Policymakers industry stakeholders and researchers must collaborate to address these challenges and accelerate the transition toward a decarbonized transport future. Potential future research areas are identified to guide advancements in sustainable vehicle technologies.
Empowering Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles Towards Sustainable Transportation: An Analytical Assessment, Emerging Energy Management, Key Issues, and Future Research Opportunities
Oct 2024
Publication
Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) have received significant attention in recent times due to various advantageous features such as high energy efficiency zero emissions and extended driving range. However FCEVs have some drawbacks including high production costs; limited hydrogen refueling infrastructure; and the complexity of converters controllers and method execution. To address these challenges smart energy management involving appropriate converters controllers intelligent algorithms and optimizations is essential for enhancing the effectiveness of FCEVs towards sustainable transportation. Therefore this paper presents emerging energy management strategies for FCEVs to improve energy efficiency system reliability and overall performance. In this context a comprehensive analytical assessment is conducted to examine several factors including research trends types of publications citation analysis keyword occurrences collaborations influential authors and the countries conducting research in this area. Moreover emerging energy management schemes are investigated with a focus on intelligent algorithms optimization techniques and control strategies highlighting contributions key findings issues and research gaps. Furthermore the state-of-the-art research domains of FCEVs are thoroughly discussed in order to explore various research domains relevant outcomes and existing challenges. Additionally this paper addresses open issues and challenges and offers valuable future research opportunities for advancing FCEVs emphasizing the importance of suitable algorithms controllers and optimization techniques to enhance their performance. The outcomes and key findings of this review will be helpful for researchers and automotive engineers in developing advanced methods control schemes and optimization strategies for FCEVs towards greener transportation.
Assessment of Wettability and Rock-fluid Interfacial Tension of Caprock: Implications for Hydrogen and Carbon Dioxide Geo-storage
Mar 2022
Publication
Underground hydrogen (H2) storage (UHS) and carbon dioxide (CO2) geo-storage (CGS) are prominent methods of meeting global energy needs and enabling a low-carbon global economy. The pore-scale distribution reservoir-scale storage capacity and containment security of H2 and CO2 are significantly influenced by interfacial properties including the equilibrium contact angle (θE) and solid-liquid and solid-gas interfacial tensions (γSL and γSG). However due to the technical constraints of experimentally determining these parameters they are often calculated based on advancing and receding contact angle values. There is a scarcity of θE γSL and γSG data particularly related to the hydrogen structural sealing potential of caprock which is unavailable in the literature. Young's equation and Neumann's equation of state were combined in this study to theoretically compute these three parameters (θE γSL and γSG) at reservoir conditions for the H2 and CO2 geo-storage potential. Pure mica organic-aged mica and alumina nano-aged mica substrates were investigated to explore the conditions for rock wetting phenomena and the sealing potential of caprock. The results reveal that θE increases while γSG decreases with increasing pressure organic acid concentration and alkyl chain length. However γSG decreases with increasing temperatures for H2 gas and vice versa for CO2. In addition θE and γSL decrease whereas γSG increases with increasing alumina nanofluid concentration from 0.05 to 0.25 wt%. Conversely θE and γSL increase whereas γSG decreases with increasing alumina nanofluid concentration from 0.25 to 0.75 wt%. The hydrogen wettability of mica (a proxy of caprock) was generally less than the CO2 wettability of mica at similar physio-thermal conditions. The interfacial data reported in this study are crucial for predicting caprock wettability alterations and the resulting structural sealing capacity for UHS and CGS.
A Review on Application of Hydrogen in Gas Turbines with Intercooler Adjustments
Mar 2024
Publication
In recent years traditional fossil fuels such as coal oil and natural gas have historically dominated various applications but there has been a growing shift towards cleaner alternatives. Among these alternatives hydrogen (H2) stands out as a highly promising substitute for all other conventional fuels. Today hydrogen (H2) is actively taking on a significant role in displacing traditional fuel sources. The utilization of hydrogen in gas turbine (GT) power generation offers a significant advantage in terms of lower greenhouse gas emissions. The performance of hydrogen-based gas turbines is influenced by a range of variables including ambient conditions (temperature and pressure) component efficiency operational parameters and other factors. Additionally incorporating an intercooler into the gas turbine system yields several advantages such as reducing compression work and maintaining power and efficiency. Many scholars and researchers have conducted comprehensive investigations into the components mentioned above within context of gas turbines (GTs). This study provides an extensive examination of the research conducted on hydrogen-powered gas turbine and intercooler with employed different methods and techniques with a specific emphasis on the different case studies of a hydrogen gas turbine and intercooler. Moreover this study not only examined the current state of research on hydrogen-powered gas turbine and intercooler but also covered its influence by offering the effective recommendations and insightful for guiding for future research in this field.
Hydrogen Refueling Infrastructure Design for Personal Mobility Devices using Frugal Engineering Approach
Nov 2012
Publication
More than 150 Hydrogen refueling stations were built around the world in the past 10 years. Much of the technical issues with passenger fuel cell car were discussed and studied. However fuel cell passenger cars are still far from mass production stage. The problem mainly lies with the high cost of fuel cell car production and insufficient hydrogen refueling infrastructure. While the future of fuel cell passenger cars are not clear fuel cell for personal mobility devices like bicycles get more and more attractive. This is mainly due to the simplicity in system design and reducing cost of small size hydrogen fuel cells. But for this technology to be commercialized affordable hydrogen refueling stations is crucial. This study discusses solutions for small sized hydrogen refueling stations based on pressure equalization and simulates the Hydrogen utilization ratio based on different equipment setup. The study is also supported with the experimental data from prototype fuel cell vehicles developed by eMobility in Singapore.
A Review on Biohydrogen Sources, Production Routes, and Its Application as a Fuel Cell
Aug 2023
Publication
More than 80% of the energy from fossil fuels is utilized in homes and industries. Increased use of fossil fuels not only depletes them but also contributes to global warming. By 2050 the usage of fossil fuels will be approximately lower than 80% than it is today. There is no yearly variation in the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere due to soil and land plants. Therefore an alternative source of energy is required to overcome these problems. Biohydrogen is considered to be a renewable source of energy which is useful for electricity generation rather than relying on harmful fossil fuels. Hydrogen can be produced from a variety of sources and technologies and has numerous applications including electricity generation being a clean energy carrier and as an alternative fuel. In this review a detailed elaboration about different kinds of sources involved in biohydrogen production various biohydrogen production routes and their applications in electricity generation is provided.
Carbon Neutrality in Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur: Insights from Stakeholder-driven Integrated Assessment Modelling
Apr 2024
Publication
Introduction: Several cities in Malaysia have established plans to reduce their CO2 emissions in addition to Malaysia submitting a Nationally Determined Contribution to reduce its carbon intensity (against GDP) by 45% in 2030 compared to 2005. Meeting these emissions reduction goals will require ajoint effort between governments industries and corporations at different scales and across sectors.<br/>Methods: In collaboration with national and sub-national stakeholders we developed and used a global integrated assessment model to explore emissions mitigation pathways in Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur. Guided by current climate action plans we created a suite of scenarios to reflect uncertainties in policy ambition level of adoption and implementation for reaching carbon neutrality. Through iterative engagement with all parties we refined the scenarios and focus of the analysis to best meet the stakeholders’ needs.<br/>Results: We found that Malaysia can reduce its carbon intensity and reach carbon neutrality by 2050 and that action in Kuala Lumpur can play a significant role. Decarbonization of the power sector paired with extensive electrification energy efficiency improvements in buildings transportation and industry and the use of advanced technologies such as hydrogen and carbon capture and storage will be Major drivers to mitigate emissions with carbon dioxide removal strategies being key to eliminate residual emissions.<br/>Discussion: Our results suggest a hopeful future for Malaysia’s ability to meet its climate goals recognizing that there may be technological social and financial challenges along the way. This study highlights the participatory process in which stakeholders contributed to the development of the model and guided the analysis as well as insights into Malaysia’s decarbonization potential and the role of multilevel governance.
Comparative Techno-Environmental Assessment of Green Hydrogen Production via Steam Methane Reforming and Chemical Looping Reforming of Biomethane
Aug 2025
Publication
Green hydrogen derived from renewable resources is increasingly recognized as a basis for future low-carbon energy systems. This study presents a comprehensive techno-environmental comparison of two thermochemical conversion pathways utilizing biomethane: steam methane reforming (SMR) and chemical looping reforming (CLR). Through integrated process simulations compositional analyses energy modeling and cost evaluation we examine the comparative advantages of each route in terms of hydrogen yield carbon separation efficiency process energy intensity and economic performance. The results demonstrate that CLR achieves a significantly higher hydrogen concentration in the raw syngas stream (62.44%) than SMR (43.14%) with reduced levels of residual methane and carbon monoxide. The energy requirements for hydrogen production are lower in the CLR system averaging 1.2 MJ/kg compared to 3.2 MJ/kg for SMR. Furthermore CLR offers a lower hydrogen production cost (USD 4.3/kg) compared to SMR (USD 6.4/kg) primarily due to improved thermal integration and the absence of solvent-based CO2 capture. These insights highlight the potential of CLR as a next-generation reforming strategy for producing green hydrogen. To advance its technology readiness it is proposed to develop a pilot-scale CLR facility to validate system performance under operational conditions and support the pathway to commercial implementation.
Enhancing Efficiency in Photovoltaic Hydrogen Production: A Comparative Analysis of MPPT and Electrolysis Control Strategies
Feb 2025
Publication
With the rapid growth of photovoltaic installed capacity photovoltaic hydrogen production can effectively solve the problem of electricity mismatch between new energy output and load demand. Photovoltaic electrolysis systems pose unique challenges due to their nonlinear multivariable and complex nature. This paper presents a thorough investigation into the control methodologies for such systems focusing on both Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) and electrolysis cell control strategies. Beginning with a comprehensive review of MPPT techniques including classical intelligent optimization and hybrid approaches the study delves into the intricate dynamics of Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysis Cells (PEMEL). Considering the nonlinear and time-varying characteristics of PEMEL various control strategies such as Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) robust Model Predictive Control (MPC) and Fault Tolerant Control (FTC) are analyzed. Evaluation metrics encompass stability accuracy computational complexity and response speed. This paper provides a comparative analysis encapsulating the strengths and limitations of each MPPT and PEM control technique.
Feasibility Assessment and Response Surface Optimisation of a Fuel Cell-integrated Sustainable Wind Farm in Italy
Sep 2025
Publication
This study explores the design and feasibility of a novel fuel cell-powered wind farm for residential electricity hydrogen/oxygen production and cooling/heating via a compression chiller. Wind turbine energy powers Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzers and a compression chiller unit. The proposed system was modeled using EES thermodynamic software and its economic viability was assessed. A case study across seven Italian regions with varying wind potentials evaluated the system’s feasibility in diverse weather conditions. Multi-objective optimization using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) determined the number of wind turbines as optimum number of electrolyzers & fuel cell units. Optimization results indicated that 37 wind turbines 1 fuel cell unit and 2 electrolyzer units yielded an exergy efficiency of 27.98 % and a cost rate of 619.9 $/h. TOPSIS analysis suggested 32 wind turbines 2 electrolyzers and 2 reverse osmosis units as an alternative configuration. Further twelve different scenarios were examined to enhance the distribution of wind farmgenerated electricity among the grid electrolyzers and reverse osmosis systems. revealing that directing 25 % to reverse osmosis 20 % to electrolyzers and 55 % to grid sales was optimal. Performance analysis across seven Italian cities (Turin Bologna Florence Palermo Genoa Milan and Rome) identified Genoa Palermo and Bologna as the most suitable locations due to favorable wind conditions. Implementing the system in Genoa the optimal site could produce 28435 MWh of electricity annually prevent 5801 tons of CO2 emissions (equivalent to 139218 $). Moreover selling this clean electricity to the grid could meet the annual clean electricity needs of approximately 5770 people in Italy
Grid Infrastructure and Renewables Integration for Singapore Energy Transition
Oct 2025
Publication
Considering rising environmental concerns and the energy transition towards sustainable energy Singapore’s power sector stands at a crucial juncture. This study explores the integration of grid infrastructure with both generated and imported renewable energy (RE) sources as a strategic pathway for the city-state’s energy transition to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Employing a combination of simulation modeling and data analysis for energy trading and advanced energy management technologies we examine the current and new grid infrastructure’s capacity to assimilate RE sources particularly solar photovoltaic and energy storage systems. The findings reveal that with strategic upgrades and smart grid technologies; Singapore’s grid can efficiently manage the variability and intermittency of RE sources. This integration is pivotal in achieving a higher penetration of renewables as well as contributing significantly to Singapore’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and sustainable development goals. While the Singapore’s power system has links to the Malay Peninsula the planned ASEAN regional interconnection might alter the grid operation in Singapore and possibly make Singapore a new green energy hub. The study also highlights the key challenges and opportunities associated with cross-border energy trade with ASEAN countries including the need for harmonized regulatory frameworks and incentives to foster public–private partnerships. The insights from this study could guide policymakers industry stakeholders and researchers offering a roadmap for a sustainable energy transition in Singapore towards meeting its 2050 carbon emission goals.
Development of Sustainability Assessment Framework for Preliminary Design of Chemical Process: Hydrogen Production as Case Study
Aug 2025
Publication
Sustainable process design has become increasingly important in transitioning from conventional to sustainable chemical production yet comprehensive sustainability assessment at the preliminary design stage remains a challenge. This study addresses this gap by proposing a hierarchical framework that integrates the Principles Criteria and Indicators (PC&I) method with multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) tools including entropy weighting TOPSIS and weighted addition. The framework guides the systematic selection of sustainability indicators across economic environmental and social dimensions. To validate its applicability a case study on hydrogen production via four process routes natural gas reforming biomass-derived syngas methanol purge gas recovery and alkaline electrolysis is conducted. Results show that the methanol purge gas process exhibits the best overall sustainability followed by biomass syngas and alkaline electrolysis. The case demonstrates the framework’s capability to differentiate between alternatives under conflicting sustainability dimensions. This work provides a structured and replicable approach to support sustainable decision-making in early-stage chemical process design.
Artificial Intelligence-based Multi-objective Optimization of a Solar-driven System for Hydrogen Production with Integrated Oxygen and Power Co-generation Across Different Climates
Oct 2025
Publication
This study develops and optimizes a solar-powered system for hydrogen generation with oxygen and power coproducts addressing the need for efficient scalable carbon-free energy solutions. The system combines a linear parabolic collector a Steam Rankine cycle and a Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyzer (PEME) to produce electricity for electrolysis. Thermodynamic modeling was accomplished in Engineering Equation Solver while a hybrid Artificial Intelligence (AI) framework combining Artificial Neural Networks and Genetic Algorithms in Statistica coupled with Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) decision support optimized technical and economic performance. Optimization considered seven key decision variables covering collector design thermodynamic inputs and component efficiencies. The optimization achieved energy and exergy efficiencies of 30.83 % and 26.32 % costing 47.02 USD/h and avoiding CO2 emissions equivalent to 190 USD/ton. Economic and exergy analyses showed the solar and hydrogen units had the highest costs (38.17 USD/h and 9.61 USD/h) with 4503 kWh of exergy destruction to generate 575 kWh of electricity. A case study across six cities suggested that Perth Bunbury and Adelaide with higher solar irradiance delivered the highest annual power and hydrogen outputs consistent with irradiance–electrolyzer correlation. Unlike conventional single-site studies this work delivers a climate-responsive multi-city analysis integrating solar thermal and PEME within an AI-driven framework. By linking techno-economic performance with quantified environmental value and co-production synergies of hydrogen oxygen and electricity the study highlights a novel pathway for scalable clean hydrogen measurable CO2 reductions and global decarbonization with future work focused on digital twins and dynamic uncertainty-aware optimization.
Energy Storage in the Energy Transition and Blue Economy: Challenges, Innovations, Future Perspectives, and Educational Pathways
Sep 2025
Publication
Transitioning to renewable energy is vital to achieving decarbonization at the global level but energy storage is still a major challenge. This review discusses the role of energy storage in the energy transition and the blue economy focusing on technological development challenges and directions. Effective storage is vital for balancing intermittent renewable energy sources like wind solar and marine energy with the power grid. The development of battery technologies hydrogen storage pumped hydro storage and emerging technologies like sodium-ion and metal-air batteries is discussed for their potential for large-scale deployment. Shortages in critical raw materials environmental impact energy loss and costs are some of the challenges to large-scale deployment. The blue economy promises opportunities for offshore energy storage notably through ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) and compressed air energy storage (CAES). Moreover the capacity of datadriven optimization and artificial intelligence to enhance storage efficiency is discussed. Policy interventions and economic incentives are necessary to spur the development and deployment of sustainable energy storage technology. Education and workforce training are also important in cultivating future researchers engineers and policymakers with the ability to drive energy innovation. Merging sustainability training with an interdisciplinary approach can potentially establish an efficient workforce that is capable of addressing energy issues. Future work needs to focus on higher energy density efficiency recyclability and cost-effectiveness of the storage technologies without sacrificing their environmental sustainability. The study underlines the need for converging technological economic and educational approaches to enable a sustainable and resilient energy future.
Flexible Economic Energy Management Including Environmental Indices in Heat and Electrical Microgrids Considering Heat Pump with Renewable and Storage Systems
Oct 2025
Publication
This study discusses energy management in thermal and electrical microgrids while taking heat pumps renewable sources thermal and hydrogen storages into account. The weighted total of the operating cost grid emissions level voltage and temperature deviation function and other factors makes up the objective function of the suggested method. The restrictions include the operationflexibility model of resources and storages micro-grid flexibility limits and optimum power flow equations. Point Estimation Method is used in this work to simulate load energy price and renewable phenomenon uncertainty. A fuzzy decision-making methodology is used to arrive at a compromise solution that satisfies network operators’ operational environmental and financial goals. The innovations of this paper include energy management of various smart microgrids simultaneous modeling of several indicators especially flexibility investigation of optimal performance of resources and storage devices and modeling of uncertainty considering low computational time and an accurate flexibility model. Numerical findings indicate that the fuzzy decision-making approach has the capability to reach a compromise point in which the objective functions approach their minimum values. The integration of the proposed uncertainty modeling with precise flexibility modeling results in a reduction in computational time when compared to stochastic optimization based on scenarios. For the compromise point and uncertainty modeling with PEM by efficiently managing resources and thermal and hydrogen storages scheme is capable of attaining high flexibility conditions. Compared to load flow studies the approach can enhance the operational environmental and economic conditions of smart microgrids by approximately 33–57% 68% and 33–68% respectively under these circumstances.
An Integrated AI-driven Framework for Maximizing the Efficiency of Heterostructured Nanomaterials in Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Jul 2025
Publication
The urgency for sustainable and efficient hydrogen production has increased interest in heterostructured nanomaterials known for their excellent photocatalytic properties. Traditional synthesis methods often rely on trial-and-error resulting in inefficiencies in material discovery and optimization. This work presents a new AI-driven framework that overcomes these challenges by integrating advanced machine-learning techniques specific to heterostructured nanomaterials. Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) enable accurate representations of atomic structures predicting material properties like bandgap energy and photocatalytic efficiency within ±0.05 eV. Reinforcement Learning optimises synthesis parameters reducing experimental iterations by 40% and boosting hydrogen yield by 15–20%. Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) successfully predict reaction pathways and intermediate states minimizing synthesis errors by 25%. Variational Autoencoders (VAEs) generate novel material configurations improving photocatalytic efficiency by up to 15%. Additionally Bayesian Optimisation enhances predictive accuracy by 30% through efficient hyperparameter tuning. This holistic framework integrates material design synthesis optimization and experimental validation fostering a synergistic data flow. Ultimately it accelerates the discovery of novel heterostructured nanomaterials enhancing efficiency scalability and yield thus moving closer to sustainable hydrogen production with improvements in photolytic efficiency setting a benchmark for AI-assisted research.
No more items...