SARAWAK’S assistant transport minister today allayed fears among doubters on the state’s proposal to use hydrogen fuel cells in public transport, saying it is not only safe but also environmentally friendly.

Dr Jerip Susil told DAP Pending assemblyman Violet Yong that not only had research studies and “all means” been taken by the state government before rolling out the road trial of hydrogen-fuelled Kuching buses, but that the fuel has been used safely in countries like Germany, the US, the UK, Scotland and China.

Yong had yesterday in her debate on the state budget claimed hydrogen fuel was “highly volatile and explosive”.

She told the assembly that in June this year, a hydrogen gas leak at a fuelling station in Norway had injured two people.

She had said as a result of the incident, all hydrogen stations by Hyundai Norway had been ordered temporarily closed.

“Although Norway is one of the earliest country to deploy hydrogen as fuel, they still have problems with its volatility until today,” she had said.

Another Pakatan Harapan lawmaker, See Chee How (PKR- Batu Lintang), had also yesterday said hydrogen fuel was not environmental friendly as it contained sulphur hexafluoride gas, or SF6 gas.

See said every kg of SF6 gas released was equivalent to 1kg of carbon dioxide released by a vehicle travelling 23,500km.

Susil, however, said for now, both the autonomous rail transit (ART) being proposed and the hydrogen fuel cell technology were still in the research and development stage.

Susil said “very intense” research and development was being undertaken by Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) on integrated fuel stations.

He said “stringent” standard operating procedures and safety standards were also being studied.

What type of fuel the state would opt for – electricity or hydrogen – would depend on trial and research studies, Susil said.

During question time today, Yong followed up by asking about contaminants found in hydrogen fuel produced at an integrated hydrogen production plant and refuelling station in Kuching that caused the temporary halting of its trial run.

Susil said the contamination issue has been fully resolved by SEB and technology provider and system integrator Linde EOX Sdn Bhd.

He said the contamination was due to the “difference in the pressure range used at the plant”. – November 8, 2019.