The reactor was capable of generating five kilowatts of electricity, enough to power 10 to 12 homes. (Photo: Bernama)

Malaysia’s first solid-state hydrogen reactor, the HyPEReactor, has been launched at the Orang Asli Settlement of Pos Tibang.

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, Malaysia’s news agency Bernama reported.

“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.

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.