KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 19): Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) is collaborating with Siemens Energy to speed up the decarbonisation of its thermal power plants, utilising green hydrogen produced from renewable energy (RE) resources.

In a statement on Thursday (Oct 19), TNB said it has formalised the partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Siemens Energy in August, at the Energy Transition Conference.

The agreement gives TNB access to cutting-edge knowledge and resources in hydrogen-based power generation, specifically on green hydrogen production using electrolyser and RE generation sources such as pumped hydro and solar.

“Partnering with Siemens Energy aligns seamlessly with TNB's energy transition aspiration, propelling us towards our goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050,” said TNB president and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Baharin Din.

He further emphasised that this MOU establishes a framework for the exploration of inventive solutions and cutting-edge technologies aimed at achieving cost-effective green hydrogen production in Malaysia.

Under the National Energy Transition Roadmap, hydrogen and ammonia co-firing is recognised as one of the flagship projects and TNB is selected as a champion to lead its deployment, in collaboration with Petroliam Nasional Bhd.

“This underpins the need to analyse the techno-economics aspects of hydrogen co-firing as well as balancing the security and affordability of energy produced from hydrogen co-fired power plants,” added TNB.

The partnership with Siemens Energy will enable TNB to improve its capabilities in specifying, procuring, building, operating, maintaining, and overseeing the contractual and financial aspects of hydrogen production and its application for co-firing in thermal power plants.

Additionally, the MOU facilitates the exchange of knowledge and technology transfer, enabling TNB to bolster its internal competencies and maintain a leading position in the field of hydrogen-related production and utilisation technologies.

The collaboration with Siemens Energy will also foster international cooperation and solidify TNB's standing as a leading player in the global energy transition.