JOHOR BAHRU, Feb 28 – A new Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) laboratory focusing on construction materials has been established at the Faculty of Civil Engineering (FKA) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). This laboratory is fully funded by Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) through the PETRONAS-Academia Collaboration Dialogue (PACD) 2023.
Led by Dr. Nur Hafizah Abd Khalid, this pioneering facility is the first of its kind at FKA, UTM, and in Malaysia, signifying the start of a new area of research in civil engineering. The laboratory is equipped with the latest research tools and will serve as a hub for students, researchers, and industry collaborators from Malaysia and abroad.
It will provide a platform for joint research projects that focus on integrating CCUS technology into the development of sustainable construction materials. Over time, additional equipment will be added, enhancing the lab’s capabilities and expanding its research scope. Furthermore, the lab will explore the potential of utilizing by-product materials, which have unique characteristics that can be harnessed for sustainable construction.
On 28 February 2025, a team from PETRONAS Research Sdn. Bhd. (PRSB), led by Dr. Nor Hafizah Berahim, visited the laboratory. During their visit, a small-scale training session was conducted at UTM, focusing on both the theoretical and practical aspects of concrete mix design, particularly in relation to sustainable materials. This session provided the PRSB participants with valuable insights into the construction industry and strategies to reduce environmental impact.
Carbon capture and sequestration have become essential topics in the global effort to combat climate change. Researchers are actively seeking practical and effective solutions to reduce carbon emissions, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology plays a crucial role in these efforts. By integrating CCUS, we can develop products such as regular and lightweight concrete, artificial aggregates, precast items, and other construction materials with low embodied carbon.
This initiative aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The development and use of sustainable building materials are particularly relevant to Malaysia’s national policy goals concerning environmental sustainability and green technology.
Malaysia is dedicated to achieving its environmental targets, as outlined in the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan (13MP). This plan focuses on maintaining a low carbon footprint and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources. The National Green Technology Policy (NGTP) and the Low Carbon Cities Framework (LCCF) aim to reduce carbon emissions, enhance resource efficiency, and promote a circular economy.
In this effort, UTM and PETRONAS are collaborating to support Malaysia’s commitment to reaching Net Zero emissions. By adopting sustainable energy solutions and pioneering innovative technologies, they contribute to the global fight against climate change and work towards a more sustainable future.
A heartfelt thanks is extended to the authors for their invaluable contributions, dedication, and expertise in shaping the success of this work; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohd Sam, Ts. Dr. Azman Mohamed, Prof. Dr. Zaiton Abdul Majid, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Raja Kamarulzaman Raja Ibrahim, Dr. Muhammad Firdaus Omar, Dr. Siti Aishah Jupri, Dr. Mohamad Haqzim Ayob, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nur Adilla Mohd Subha, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anita Ahmad, Nur Fatimah Marwar, Dr. Ida Fahani Md Jaye, and Dr. Onn Chiu Chuen.
Related link:
PETRONAS Enhances Human Capital Development with RM 71 million in PACD Research Grants – https://www.petronas.com/media/media-releases/petronas-enhances-human-capital-development-rm-71-million-pacd-research-grants