An investigation was conducted to determine the effects of operating parameters for various electrode types on hydrogen gas production through electrolysis, as well as to evaluate the efficiency of the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzer. Deionized (DI) water was fed to a single-cell PEM electrolyzer with an active area of 36 cm². Parameters such as power supply (50–500 mA/cm²), feed water flow rate (0.5–5 mL/min), water temperature (25−80 °C), and type of anode electrocatalyst (0.5 mg/cm² PtC [60%], 1.5 mg/cm² IrRuOx with 1.5 mg/cm² PtB, 3.0 mg/cm² IrRuOx, and 3.0 mg/cm² PtB) were varied. The effects of these parameter changes were then analyzed in terms of the polarization curve, hydrogen flowrate, power consumption, voltaic efficiency, and energy efficiency. The best electrolysis performance was observed at a DI water feed flowrate of 2 mL/min and a cell temperature of 70 °C, using a membrane electrode assembly that has a 3.0 mg/cm² IrRuOx catalyst at the anode side. This improved performance of the PEM electrolyzer is due to the reduction in activation as well as ohmic losses. Furthermore, the energy consumption was optimal when the current density was about 200 mA/cm², with voltaic and energy efficiencies of 85% and 67.5%, respectively. This result indicates low electrical energy consumption, which can lower the operating cost and increase the performance of PEM electrolyzers. Therefore, the optimal operating parameters are crucial to ensure the ideal performance and durability of the PEM electrolyzer as well as lower its operating costs.

In 2022, Malaysia was ranked 28th worldwide in terms of its energy oil consumption. Energy consumption in Malaysia has been predominantly reliant on natural gas and coal in both the past and present. Oil and gas in Malaysia are predicted to be depleted in 14 years due to the high energy consumption, especially from petroleum sources. Thus, the Malaysian government aims to expand renewable energy (RE) in the country's energy mix as an alternative source of energy. As of 2022, Malaysia has generated roughly 2% of its electricity from various renewable sources, which is still far from the initial target of reaching 20% RE penetration by 2030. However, since 2017, RE has started to contribute to energy mix generation. Several policies, including an act, have been implemented in Malaysia to achieve the target in RE, but many challenges and difficulties have hindered the progress. Thus, the present study explored the current status and challenges for RE in Malaysia and discussed the effectiveness of the available energy policies and programs. The outcomes are potentially valuable to Malaysian policymakers, industries and researchers to improve their current practices for achieving the initial national RE target by 2030 as well as to move forward towards net zero emissions by 2050. This study provides a crucial roadmap for Malaysia to achieve its RE objectives and contribute significantly to the international transition towards a more environmentally friendly and sustainable future.