TENAGA Nasional Bhd (TNB) has entered into a partnership with Siemens Energy to expedite the decarbonisation of its thermal power plants by leveraging green hydrogen generated from renewable energy (RE) resources. 

Through a recently formalised memorandum of understanding (MoU), TNB gains access to Siemens Energy’s cutting-edge knowledge, expertise and resources in hydrogen-based power generation, with a specific emphasis on green hydrogen production using electrolysers and RE sources like pumped hydro and solar. 

The exchange of MoU documents occurred during the Energy Transition Conference 2023 in August, witnessed by Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, alongside TNB chairman Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Majid, TNB president and CEO Datuk Seri Ir Baharin Din, TNB Power Generation Sdn Bhd (TNB Genco) MD Ir Muhamad Nazri Pazil and Siemens Energ y senior VP and MD for Asia Pacific Thorbjorn Fors. 

Baharin highlighted that the collaboration with Siemens Energy aligns seamlessly with TNB’s energy transition vision, furthering its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. 

The partnership underscores TNB’s steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability, aiming to explore innovative solutions and advanced technologies for cost-effective green hydrogen production in Malaysia, while addressing associated challenges. 

Under the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), hydrogen and ammonia co-firing is recognised as a flagship project, with TNB selected as a champion to lead its implementation in collaboration with Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), as part of the national decarbonisation initiative. 

This underscores the importance of analysing the techno-economic aspects of hydrogen co-firing and balancing the security and affordability of energy from co-fired power plants. 

The partnership with Siemens Energy will empower TNB to enhance its capabilities in various aspects of hydrogen production, including specification, procurement, construction, operation, maintenance and financial oversight, especially for co-firing in thermal power plants. 

Moreover, the MoU facilitates the exchange of knowledge and technology transfer, enabling TNB to strengthen its internal competencies and maintain a leading position in hydrogen-related production and utilisation technologies. 

The collaboration with Siemens Energy will also promote international cooperation and reinforce TNB’s position as a key player in the global energy transition towards sustainable and carbon-neutral practices in the energy sector. — TMR

• This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition