THE contaminant issue at the Integrated Hydrogen Production Plant and Refueling Station in Kuching has been fully resolved by Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) and Linde EOX Sdn Bhd.
Transportation Assistant Minister Datuk Dr Jerip Susil said this when responding to Violet Yong Wui Wui (PH-Pending) on measures taken by the state government in rectifying the contaminant issue found in hydrogen produced at the plant.
He stated that the production plant and refuelling station were pilot projects under the research and development for hydrogen.
“SEB and Linde EOX, as the technology provider and system integrator, have resolved the issue during a performance test period at Linde’s cost. It 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,” he said.
Dr Jerip added that together with Linde EOX, SEB would continue to impose stringent quality control requirements for the hydrogen production facility and refuelling station.
To a supplementary question from Yong on any feasibility studies carried out before the state embarked on the hydrogen project in terms of environmental impact and financial implications, Dr Jerip assured that all research and measures were taken to ensure that the hydrogen fuel cell would be safe and environmentally friendly.
“Hydrogen technology is a very established scientific technology and there are countries such as Germany, China, Canada, England, Brazil, Scotland and USA which have used hydrogen fuel cells.
“They have already established very significant safety standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure that the tech is safe and sustainable,” he said.
Dr Jerip revealed that RM16 million has been allocated for the research and development of the production plant and refuelling station.
