Kuala Lumpur, 10 September 2025 – The Sabah Bumiputera Chamber of Commerce (SBCC) and Hydrogène de France SA (HDF Energy) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop HDF’s Renewstable® hydrogen power plant in the Sabah region. This landmark collaboration aims to deliver a reliable, bankable supply of clean baseload electricity by combining renewable energy with green hydrogen – offering a true sustainable alternative to polluting diesel-based power generation in the region.

The MoU marks the beginning of a strategic partnership between SBCC and HDF to promote the use of hydrogen in the power sector. Together, the two organizations will advance HDF’s Renewstable® concept in Sabah. These innovative multi-megawatt power plants combine intermittent renewable energy sources (solar or wind) with substantial on-site energy storage in the form of green hydrogen and high-power fuel cells, to generate clean, stable, and baseload power 24/7.

HDF’s expert teams bring over a decade of technical know-how across the hydrogen value chain. Through this partnership, SBCC will benefit from capacity-building and knowledge transfer to strengthen Sabah’s hydrogen ecosystem.

Mathieu Geze, HDF’s Director for Asia Pacific, added: “We are proud to partner with SBCC to bring the Renewstable® solution to Sabah. This cooperation will allow us to assess feasibility, accelerate implementation, and ultimately provide 24/7 green baseload power fully powered by renewable energy. Beyond the project itself, we also expect this initiative to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Malaysia and France, opening new opportunities for collaboration in clean energy.”

SBCC’s President, YBhg Datuk Haji Mohd Hasnol Datuk Ayub, stated that: “This partnership is first and foremost for the people of Sabah. Under this project, SBCC is building a sustainable ecosystem that empowers local communities, creating skilled jobs, growing local supply chains, and expanding clean, reliable and affordable energy, so our rural areas become more resilient. As an ecosystem builder, our vision is inclusive growth that strengthens energy security while supporting Malaysia’s net-zero goals.”

The signing ceremony took place at MITI Tower, Kuala Lumpur, on 10 September 2025. The MOU was signed by SBCC’s Chief Technology Officer, Dr. Janifal Alipal, and the HDF’s Director of Asia Pacific, Mathieu Geze, and was witnessed by YB Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry; Laurent Saint Martin, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade of France; Anne Genetet, Deputy of the French National Assembly; and Sophie Sidos-Vicat, President of CCEF (Conseillers du Commerce extérieur de la France).

ABOUT SBCC

The Sabah Bumiputera Chamber of Commerce (SBCC) is a people-first, community-driven chamber that represents the voice and aspirations of Bumiputera entrepreneurs across Sabah. We believe enterprise is not only about profit, but also a vehicle for shared opportunity, resilience, and progress for our communities.

As an ecosystem builder, SBCC convenes government, industry, financiers, academia, and civil society to build a sustainable economic ecosystem that empowers local communities, especially in rural Sabah. We focus on capacity building, digital adoption, access to markets and finance, local supply-chain development, and responsible, future-ready business practices.

Our strength lies in working side-by-side with public agencies and local leaders to co-create an enabling environment where Bumiputera businesses can start, grow, and scale with confidence. Through mentoring, training, and practical platforms for collaboration, members gain the knowledge, networks, and support needed to compete in wider markets.

Through our programs, advocacy, and partnerships, SBCC helps entrepreneurs take bold, sustainable steps, creating jobs, raising incomes, and strengthening community resilience, so that growth reaches every kampung and district in Sabah.

More information, visit: http://dbps.com.my

ABOUT HDF ENERGY

HDF Energy is a leading global player in the hydrogen industry, dedicated to developing large-scale hydrogen infrastructure and advanced multi-megawatt fuel cell technology.

These fuel cells generate electricity from hydrogen, driving the decarbonization efforts across the power generation, heavy maritime and rail mobility sectors. Set to commence mass production in 2025 at HDF Energy’s facility near Bordeaux, these fuel cells serve as the cornerstone of the power plants and heavy mobility solutions developed by HDF Energy.

HDF Energy's Renewstable® power plants deliver non-intermittent renewable, stable and baseload power by seamlessly integrating intermittent renewable energy sources with substantial on-site energy storage in the form of green hydrogen. HDF Energy is also developing extensive infrastructure for the mass production of carbon-free hydrogen.

Backed by a team of over 150 hydrogen experts boasting more than a decade of operational experience across the value chain, HDF Energy is currently developing a portfolio of advanced projects valued at over €3 billion.

Headquartered in France, HDF Energy has regional offices in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region with 35+ nationalities among its staff. Since 2021, the Group has been listed on the Euronext Paris stock market.

More information, visit: www.hdf-energy.com