A Hong Kong renewable energy firm has launched its proprietary hydrogen-generating technology at a Malaysian university campus to create a circular economy.
As per reports, EPRO Advance Technology (EAT) has invented a process to generate hydrogen using their patented silicon material Si+. The start-up can produce the material using recycled silicon from retired solar panels that would otherwise be sent to landfill.
“The technology will be used for the world’s first silicon-based hydrogen generator fuelled with silicon to power electric buses on Universiti Malaya’s Kuala Lumpur campus in the second half of this year,” said CEO Albert Lau.
“This will provide a whole new circular economy and make hydrogen more [easily] available as it can be produced on site,” he said.
“Currently, most hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels like coal or natural gas, but the carbon footprint from its production can be substantial. “Green” hydrogen, the cleanest form, is produced using electrolysis using renewable energy, which is expensive as the supply chain is being built.” he pointed out.
EAT’s first silicon-fuelled Macera Si+ hydrogen genset was unveiled at Universiti Malaya last month to replace diesel-based generators.
“The culmination of our joint enterprise is the creation of the first-ever silicon-fuelled hydrogen genset, a revolutionary technology poised to redefine energy standards,” said Noor Azuan Abu Osman, Universiti Malaya’s Vice-Chancellor.
“The project is the result of three years of intensive research and partnership, and “stands as a testament to our dedication and expertise”, he said.
“The hydrogen genset represents a significant leap in green technology, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional diesel gensets,” he stated.
