H2X executes groundbreaking deal to start Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle production in Sarawak, Malaysia
H2X Global has been handpicked by the Sarawak State government in Malaysia to help it build the region into a major hydrogen hub through the production and delivery of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
State-owned Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), through its wholly owned subsidiary SEDC Energy, has signed an MOU to form a joint venture with H2X Global for the manufacturing, assembly and development of a range of strategic transport projects.
H2X Global revealed today that the JV will immediately begin with the assembly of relevant vehicles – from its trademark Warrego Pick up to City Buses and H2x Hydrogen Powered Generators, taking advantage of the hydrogen distribution network already set-up within Sarawak State.
H2X Global founder and CEO Brendan Norman said Sarawak was already well ahead of most states in the region and was well advanced in the establishment of long-term hydrogen production for both domestic and export use.
“It is likely that Sarawak will not only produce vehicles for its own use but will become a major supplier to other States and countries in the region,” he said.
Establishing South East Asia’s hydrogen epicentre
SEDC Energy has developed a strategic blueprint for Sarawak to become a hub for the emerging ASEAN hydrogen energy market.
The government first introduced hydrogen-powered vehicles in the state in 2019.
This new partnership will see H2X supply and assemble additional vehicles, including in excess of 50 buses in the coming 18 months, to meet growing demand.
SEDC Energy CEO Robert Hardin said Sarawak had a unique opportunity to become a leader in the development of renewable energy transport.
“We have been using hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles for a few years now as Sarawak was an early adopter, and now we are adding projects such as hydrogen production to supply our neighbours, who are now also embracing hydrogen and other forms of renewable energy.
“H2X is a global leader in fuel cell technology, and we believe the joint venture will bring significant economic and environmental benefits to Sarawak and the Sarawak Southern Region Development for Malaysia and the ASEAN region.”
H2X Global is the company behind Australia’s first hydrogen fuel cell electric ute, which attracted more than $50m of pre-reservations for the vehicle, set to be delivered to customers in 2022.
That success led the company to expand its product offering through the development of a range of additional vehicles, including heavy-platform vehicles.
H2X will present its hydrogen fuel cell breakthroughs at COP26
As a headline participant, the company will be one of a select few innovative companies leading the way in renewable technologies that will share their technological breakthroughs with leaders at the conference, also known as the COP26 summit, in Glasgow, Scotland.
H2X says the invitation is a validation that the company is a global leader in technological advancements that are tackling climate change.
The company has developed its own highly efficient hydrogen fuel cell technology and hydrogen power trains for vehicles and machinery.
This tech will be used in its Warrego Ute, a fuel cell electric utility vehicle set to be manufactured in Gippsland, Victoria, which has already drawn more than $50m in pre-orders.
“The global hydrogen market is accelerating with governments around the world committing billions of dollars in incentives to accelerate the transition to renewable energy and meet their net zero emissions targets,” chief executive Brendan Norman said.
“Hydrogen fuel cells have become a key focus for many given the technology advancements that have enabled hydrogen FCEVs to refuel more quickly and travel longer distances.
“H2X is pushing into new markets, with a series of products due for release in the coming months that will show new ways of working with hydrogen and bringing clean energy to many different applications in cities.”
H2X Fuel Cell Tech
The company’s Hydrogen Fuel Cell Hybrid technology is designed to drastically reduce refuelling time and increase driving range and hydrogen efficiency.
Its modular platform allows the hybrid energy system and fuel cell to be customised to maximise efficiency and performance according to the user.
Besides the Warrego ute, development has also started on a range of additional vehicles, including heavy-platform vehicles.
H2X recently reached an agreement with the Gippsland Circular Economy Precinct to manufacture hydrogen fuel cells, electrolysers, hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles, and a range of hydrogen power units including generators and emergency power supplies in the region.
It also formed a strategic partnership with hydrogen developer Pure Hydrogen (ASX:PH2).
Source: This article has originally appeared on Stockhead