MOU between Planet QEOS, KIS BIOCNG and SALCRA poised to boost Sarawak’s hydrogen economy

By Sustainability Matters June 11, 2024

Planet QEOS setting stage for hydrogen to be go-to energy source, accessible to all
Produce bio-hydrogen at reduced cost, utilizing innovative tech & local resources

(L2R): Raghunath K. R., CEO of KIS BIOCNG Sdn Bhd; Ts Dr. Nurleyna Yunos, Head of Energy Division, Minister of Energy, Environmental and Sustainability Sarawak; Dino Bidari, Chairman, Planet QEOS and Sikin Sentok, SALCRA Deputy General Manager.

Planet QEOS, KIS BIOCNG Sdn Bhd, and the Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (SALCRA) have signed a MoU to establish a collaborative framework aimed at producing bio-hydrogen via the Steam Biomethane Reforming (SBMR) Process.

The MoU was signed by Dino Bidari, Executive Chairman of Planet QEOS, Raghunath K.R., CEO of KIS BIOCNG Sdn Bhd, and Sikin Anak Sentok, Deputy General Manager of SALCRA. Abang Jo, Premier of Sarawak, and Dr. Stephen Rundi, Minister for Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Sarawak witnessed the signing.

The MoU outlined the cooperation among the three parties to produce bio-hydrogen using the SBMR process.

Planet QEOS: Will act as the bio-hydrogen producer, leveraging the advanced SBMR Process to generate hydrogen.
KIS BIOCNG: Will provide the necessary technology for biogas and bio-methane production, which serves as the essential feedstock for the SBMR Process.
SALCRA: Will supply the feedstock for bio-methane production from its palm oil mills and utilize its existing biogas production facilities.

The primary aim is to generate sustainable and cost-effective bio-hydrogen for commercial use in Sarawak. In a statement, Planet QEOS said the successful execution of this project will serve as a benchmark and proof of concept for harnessing waste from the extensive 1.8 million hectares of palm oil plantations in Sarawak for bio-hydrogen production.

Dino said, “This partnership marks a significant step forward in our mission to produce bio-hydrogen at a reduced cost, utilizing innovative technology and local resources.”

Raghunath said, “We are excited to provide the technology needed for biogas and bio-methane production, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future.”

Sustainability is at the heart of this initiative which exemplifies a commitment to the establishment of a sustainable palm oil sector. It ensures the efficient utilization of waste derived from palm oil mills, transforming it into a valuable resource for bio-hydrogen production. This approach not only mitigates waste but also contributes to the generation of clean and renewable energy, thereby reinforcing Planet QEOS’ commitment to environmental stewardship.

This initiative promises not only to create a sustainable palm oil industry by converting waste from palm oil mills into bio-hydrogen, but also to bring substantial economic benefits, said Planet QEOS which is revolutionizing the hydrogen economy with its groundbreaking SBMR technology with the vertically integrated design dramatically reducing both capital and operational expenses.

Planet QEOS points out that it is not just about producing hydrogen at lower costs; it’s a holistic approach that innovates across the board – from distribution and transmission to storage. The debut of hydrogen fuel at an unprecedented retail price – under RM20/kg – is just the beginning, it hints. With a commitment to aggressive annual price

reductions, Planet QEOS said it is setting the stage for hydrogen to become the go-to energy source, accessible to all and kind to the planet.

The strategic partnership with SALCRA is anticipated to significantly contribute to the socio- economic upliftment of rural communities in Sarawak. Sikin said, “Our participation in this project will not only optimize the use of waste from our palm oil mills but also contribute to the economic upliftment of rural communities in Sarawak.”

The challenge here is one of system design and not technology, said a Planet QEOS spokesperson. “SBMR (steam biomethane reforming) or mostly known as Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) is a very matured technology used for converting natural gas into hydrogen which is then used for making ammonia for fertilizers.”

Making the SBMR smaller in scale to cater for smaller volumes of biomethane will allow the facility to be placed closer to remote locations to purchase the waste from the mills.

“It will definitely create more opportunities for business to explore the potential of converting biowaste and biomass into biomethane which will then have a place in the hydrogen economy when we have an efficiency and low-cost facility to convert it to hydrogen,” said the Planet QEOS spokesperson.

Expressing his support, Dr Stephen Rundi said, “This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to sustainable development and rural economic enhancement. We look forward to seeing the positive impact it will bring to Sarawak.”