Asahi Kasei, Gentari, and JGC Collaborate for FEED Study on 60 MW Alkaline Water Electrolyzer, Generating Green Hydrogen in Malaysia

In a significant stride toward sustainable energy initiatives, Asahi Kasei, Gentari Hydrogen Sdn Bhd (a subsidiary of Gentari Sdn Bhd), and JGC Holdings Corporation announced the successful completion of an extensive feasibility study. The study aimed to facilitate the production of up to 8,000 tonnes per year of green hydrogen through a 60-megawatt (MW) alkaline water electrolyzer system.

The collaborative effort also included the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a front-end engineering design (FEED) study, underlining their commitment to this pioneering project. This endeavor receives support from Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) through the Green Innovation Fund for Large-scale Alkaline Water Electrolysis System Development and Green Chemical Plant Project.

Preparations are underway for the commencement of the FEED study in January 2024, with operations slated for a startup in 2027.

This joint initiative between Asahi Kasei, Gentari, and JGC aims to push forward the utilization of a 60 MW water electrolyzer integrated with a control system to generate green hydrogen at a commercial scale. The project signifies a dedicated effort by these entities to foster green hydrogen markets and establish a robust foundation for regional production, aligning with the larger agenda of decarbonization in Japan, Malaysia, and Southeast Asia.

Nobuko Uetake, Lead Executive Officer of Asahi Kasei and Senior General Manager of its Green Solution Project, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration’s potential impact. Uetake highlighted Asahi Kasei’s expertise gained from prior demonstration experiments in Germany and the successful management of a 10 MW electrolyzer in Japan for over three years as instrumental to the project’s success.

Michèle Azalbert, Gentari’s Chief Hydrogen Officer, emphasized the strategic importance of this collaboration in advancing Malaysia’s hydrogen economy. She underscored the project’s role as a catalyst in reaching Malaysia’s green hydrogen target of 200,000 tonnes per year by 2030, aligning with national energy transition strategies and positioning the country as a key hydrogen hub in the region.

Masahiro Aika, Senior Executive Officer at JGC, conveyed appreciation for the MOU’s conclusion. Aika highlighted JGC Group’s ongoing construction of a clean ammonia production demonstration facility in Japan, adjacent to Asahi Kasei’s electrolyzer, showcasing technical advancements that could benefit the Malaysian project.

The collaboration signifies a pivotal step toward sustainable energy production, harnessing technological advancements to drive the shift towards a greener future in the region and beyond