Hypereactor, Malaysia’s First Solid-state Hydrogen Reactor, Launched At Pos Tibang

TANJONG MALIM, July 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s first solid-state hydrogen reactor, the HyPEReactor, was launched today at the Orang Asli Settlement of Pos Tibang here.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said the launch marked a significant step towards providing clean and safe electricity to rural communities with limited energy access.

“The technology is not only stable and safe but also environmentally friendly, without noise or odour pollution like a conventional genset,” he said when officiating the launch of HyPEReactor.

Also present were Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Deputy Secretary-General (Technology Development) Datuk Dr Mohd Nor Azman Hassan and NanoMalaysia Berhad (NMB) Chief Executive Officer Dr Rezal Khairi Ahmad.

Chang said the launch of HyPEReactor was among MOSTI’s initiatives that reflected the government’s commitment to developing advanced and sustainable green technology for the benefit of the people, including those in remote areas.

“We want to ensure that every home in Pos Tibang and other Orang Asli villages across the country enjoys the same rights as other Malaysians, (including) access to basic needs, education, healthcare and a good life,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chang said that the HyPEReactor system could operate without relying on diesel, was portable, and had been developed using local technology.

He said the initiative also opened up the potential for new business models for rural electrification and, in the long term, could spark interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), as well as create job opportunities in science, technology and innovation, especially for young people in Pos Tibang.

Chang said the technology was in line with the nation’s clean energy policy and reinforced efforts to support the National Energy Policy and the transition to sustainable renewable energy sources, such as hydrogen.

Speaking to reporters, he said the reactor was capable of generating five kilowatts of electricity, enough to power 10 to 12 homes.

Chang said that, for now, the reactor was being used to supply electricity to the church building in Pos Tibang, benefiting some 260 residents.

Meanwhile, Rezal Khairi said the main component of the system was sodium borohydride, a type of salt that could produce hydrogen under low pressure.

“It can also be recycled, and this innovation provides a safer, more cost-effective and portable power solution for areas without grid access or with limited connectivity,” he said.

--BERNAMA