8th International Conference on Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Technology in conjunction with the 3rd Symposium on Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technology (ICFCHT-SFCHT 2023)

Written by: Mimi Hani Abu Bakar, PhD.
Fuel Cell Institute, National University of Malaysia (UKM)

The importance of hydrogen and fuel cell

Hydrogen, the humble yet mighty element, reigns as the simplest and most abundant substance throughout the vast expanse of the universe, of about 75% of the universe’s mass! Here on our blue planet, hydrogen plays a critical role in everything from the water we drink to the very composition of plants, animals, and even humans. Hydrogen is a clean alternative to methane, the infamous natural gas often associated with environmental concerns. We’re opting for a greener and more sustainable energy option by choosing hydrogen.

But finding pure hydrogen gas on Earth is rare. It’s usually found with other elements, forming compounds like water, oil, and natural gas. Scientists have found a method of producing hydrogen using various methods. It can be generated from oil, natural gas, biomass, or even by splitting water using the boundless power of renewable solar or electrical energy. Once hydrogen is produced as molecular hydrogen, the energy present within the molecule can be released by reacting with oxygen to produce water. This can be achieved by either traditional internal combustion engines or by devices called fuel cells.

In a fuel cell, hydrogen energy is converted directly into electricity with high efficiency and low power losses. Fuel cells work like batteries but never run out of juice or require a recharge (Figure 1a). A popular chemical fuel cell system, the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell, has a catalyst to split hydrogen into protons and electrons (Figure 1b). They take separate paths, with electrons creating an electric current through an external circuit and protons forming water and heat at the cathode. Hence, as long as there’s fuel to feed them and air, they’ll keep producing electricity and heat! The benefits of using hydrogen as a fuel are numerous: it’s eco-friendly, has high energy density, and versatile production methods, allowing rapid refuelling and silent operation.

These remarkable advantages make hydrogen fuel cells the stars of clean energy innovation, propelling us toward a greener and more sustainable future.

Hydrogen and Fuel Cell in Malaysia

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Chang Lih Kang, emphasized that Malaysia is well-positioned to capitalize on its potential as a significant green hydrogen producer. This opportunity comes with signing a letter of intent for strategic cooperation in science, technology, and innovation between Malaysia and China through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Leveraging this collaboration can help Malaysia’s goal to emerge as a leader in the hydrogen economy by the year 2050.

Malaysia focuses on the state of Sarawak to kickstart the journey towards green energy. This move will pave the way for a more sustainable direction in the conventional energy industry and contribute to Malaysia’s aspiration to emerge as a prominent player in the green energy sector.

Amid the challenges posed by the pandemic, Sarawak has shown determination by implementing the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. As part of this strategy, the state aims to prioritize the development of the renewable energy industry in its ten-year plan. This demonstrates Malaysia’s commitment to advancing its renewable energy capabilities and creating a greener and more resilient future (Figure 2).

The Fuel Cell Institute – Who We Are & What We Do

The idea to initiate fuel cell and hydrogen energy research at the National University of Malaysia (UKM) originated from a meeting between Prof. Dato’ Ir. Dr Wan Ramli Wan Daud and researchers from Nuclear Agency Malaysia (then PUSPATI) and Tenaga Nasional in 1994. Research in this area commenced in 1995, with the construction of Malaysia’s first proton exchange membrane fuel cell using materials donated by Dupont (M) Sdn Berhad.

The Ministry of Higher Education approved the establishment of the Fuel Cell Institute (Institut Sel Fuel) on July 1, 2006, making it Malaysia’s first research institute dedicated to fuel cell and hydrogen energy studies. The name “Fuel Cell Institute” was officially approved on July 14, 2007.

The institute commenced its official operation on January 1, 2007, with the appointment of Prof. Ir. Dr Hj. Wan Ramli Wan Daud as the founding Director, in recognition of his extensive research in fuel cell and hydrogen energy, evident in more than 50 publications in indexed international journals.

The founding of the institute highlights the robustness of fuel cell and hydrogen energy research at UKM. Additionally, it reflects the strength of research and development in renewable energy at the university, particularly in solar energy, hydrogen energy, and fuel cell.

Today, the Fuel Cell Institute is thriving under the direction of Prof. Ir. Dr Siti Kartom Kamaruddin, an esteemed expert in Chemical Engineering and a Professor at the Department of Chemical & Process Engineering, UKM, since 2011. She actively promotes Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technology nationwide. She leads efforts to establish Malaysia’s Hydrogen Economy Roadmap and set seven designated research groups focusing on various hydrogen and fuel cell technologies within the Fuel Cell Institute (Figure 4).

Besides conducting research, the institute also disseminates knowledge and awareness of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies through webinars, workshops, and conferences. On September 5-6, 2023, the institute, in collaboration with the Malaysian Association of Hydrogen Energy (MAHE) and National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia, with PETRONAS as the main sponsor, will be holding the 8th International Conference on Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Technology in conjunction with the 3rd Symposium on Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technology (ICFCHT-SFCHT 2023) (Figure 5a).

Besides conducting research, the institute also disseminates knowledge and awareness of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies through webinars, workshops, and conferences. On September 5-6, 2023, the institute, in collaboration with the Malaysian Association of Hydrogen Energy (MAHE) and National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia, with PETRONAS as the main sponsor, will be holding the 8th International Conference on Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Technology in conjunction with the 3rd Symposium on Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technology (ICFCHT-SFCHT 2023) (Figure 5a).

The 8th International Conference on Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Technology, in collaboration with the 3rd Symposium on Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technology (ICFCHT-SFCHT 2023)

The conference is expected to attract over 100 participants, including scholars, researchers, scientists, practitioners, and students in the fuel cell and hydrogen technology field. It aims to facilitate discussions on new developments, concepts, practices, and field experiences while identifying future research needs and technological advancements. The conference will be conducted in person, with the option for pre-recorded video presentations available.

The conference will focus on the fusion of multiple fields and applications related to fuel cells, hydrogen technology, and green and renewable energy, with a specific emphasis on materials and systems. Selected papers from the registration will be published in collaboration with several high-indexed WOS ISI journals.

As an institute under the esteemed UKM, the Fuel Cell Institute currently offers two modes of graduate study programs: research and coursework (Figure 5b). The research mode includes Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Science (MSc) programs in fuel cell engineering, hydrogen energy, and energy management and policy. On the other hand, the coursework mode offers the Master of Science in Low Carbon and Hydrogen Technology, available for both full-time and part-time study.

The institute has contributed significantly to intellectual properties related to fuel cells and hydrogen energy, showcasing its research quality. It also plays a crucial role in policy development in collaboration with various government agencies in Malaysia.

To stay updated with the Fuel Cell Institute, visit their website (https://www.ukm.my/selfuel/) and follow their social media accounts—Institut Sel Fuel (FB), selfuel_my (IG and TikTok), and selfuel (Twitter).

Finally, the Fuel Cell Institute welcomes those already engaged in the hydrogen and fuel cell technology field to participate as presenters in the ICFCHT-SFCHT 2023 conference, driving the technology forward. The conference also extends its invitation to listeners, as the sessions promise rich discussions on new developments, concepts, practices, and field experiences, along with identifying future research needs and technological advancements.

References:

1. BERNAMA (2023). Malaysia di posisi baik manfaat potensi sebagai pengeluar hidrogen hijau – MOSTI
https://www.astroawani.com/berita-malaysia/malaysia-di-posisi-baik-manfaat-potensi-sebagai-pengeluar-hidrogen-hijau-mosti-423151

2. Dayak Daily (July 2023). Hydrogen bus will ply new route to cover more areas. https://dayakdaily.com/hydrogen-bus-will-ply-new-route-to-cover-more-areas/

3.ICFCHT-SFCHT 2023 (July 2023). https://www.ukm.my/selfuel/

4.Institut Sel Fuel (July 2023). https://www.ukm.my/sfcht/

5.Mohd Nur Ikhmal, Mimi Hani, Muhammad Farhan, Ibdal Satar, Nur Iman Syafiqah, Aisyah Nadhirah, Samuel Reinhard (2021). Hidupan Seni & Tenaga Hijau. Institut Sel Fuel, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

6.Nsour, W., Taa’mneh, T., Ayadi, O. and Al Asfar, J. (2019) Design of Stand-Alone Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Hybrid System under Amman Climate. Journal of Ecological Engineering20(9):1-10. DOI:10.12911/22998993/111800

7.Office of Energy Efficeincy & Renewable Energy (July 2023). https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/fuel-cell-basics