By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Nov 8:Â Transport Assistant Minister Datuk Dr Jerip Susil says a total of RM16 million has been allocated for hydrogen research.
The amount has been allocated for the building of an Integrated Hydrogen Production Plant and a refueling station.
“Let it be known that for the whole of research and development exercise, a sum of RM60 minion has been allocated for the Integrated Hydrogen Production Plant and a refuelling station.
“As to how many stations and plants – that will be subject to our research and overall study of how many will be required later on,” said Dr Jerip when answering the questions raised by Pending assembly woman Violet Yong at Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) this morning.
Dr Jerip who is Mambong assemblyman assured that measures have been taken to ensure safety of the hydrogen fuel cell and that it is environmental friendly.
“It must be known to members of this Dewan that hydrogen is actually is a very established scientific technology, and there are already countries which have already used this technology (in terms of hydrogen fuel cells) which include Germany, Canada, China and USA, England and Scotland.
“They have established very significant safety standard, and SOP (standard of operation) to ensure this technology is safe and sustainable,” said Dr Jerip.
Yong had raised the concerns that as hydrogen is an explosive gas, will it be dangerous to use hydrogen for public vehicles in Sarawak.
She asked for the amount allocated to the hydrogen project and how many refuelling stations the Sarawak government intended to build.
Yong also brought up the question on the measures in rectifying the issue of contaminant found in hydrogen produced at Integration Hydrogen Production Plant and refuelling station.
“The issue of contaminant has been fully resolved by Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) and Linde EOX Sdn Bhd as the technology provider and system integrator, during the performance test period at Linde’s cost,” said Dr Jerip.
He said the issue of contaminant was due to the difference in the pressure range used in the plant.
“The performance test is a robust process that provides for checks to be conducted to ensure that matters detected are fixed during the warranty period, and also to resolve any teething issues which are not uncommon for research and development projects.
“Together with Linde EOX Sdn Bhd, Sarawak Energy will continue to impose stringent quality control requirements for the hydrogen production facility and refuelling station,” said Dr Jerip.  — DayakDaily
