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The Automotive Platforms and Application Systems R&D Centre (APAS) unveiled the “Hong Kong Hydrogen Economy Report and Survey Result,” developed in collaboration with the City University of Hong Kong (CityU). This report leverages industry insights to explore the potential and opportunities in Hong Kong’s emerging hydrogen economy. Industry feedback indicates a strong positive response to hydrogen adoption in Hong Kong.
The report aligns with the 2022 Policy Address, which proposes the trial implementation of hydrogen fuel cell double-decker buses and heavy vehicles in 2023 and the formulation of a 2025 strategy for hydrogen integration in land transport. It aims to guide the HKSAR Government in developing long-term strategies for hydrogen utilisation, furthering Hong Kong’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
The “Clean Air Plan for Hong Kong 2035” highlights green transportation, emissions reduction, and clean energy. The “Hong Kong Hydrogen Economy Report” focuses on key aspects and recommendations. It assesses the potential for hydrogen use in commercial vehicles, recent developments in hydrogen technology, and strategies to overcome limitations in hydrogen development, thus embracing the hydrogen economy.
Hong Kong enjoys a unique advantage due to its utility gas mixture supply network, with approximately half of the mixture being hydrogen. This allows the extraction of pure hydrogen at target locations from the utility gas mixture supply network, making pure hydrogen application in the transportation sector cost-effective. Promoting hydrogen-fuelled vehicles aligns with carbon neutrality goals, as hydrogen and battery-powered vehicles complement each other. The formulation of policies and regulations is emphasised as a significant driver for hydrogen adoption.
Survey results show that over 40% of respondents find it challenging to produce sufficient hydrogen locally, largely due to limited land availability. More than half of these respondents express concerns about the scarcity of land for green hydrogen production in Hong Kong, suggesting a need for hydrogen imports, primarily from the Mainland or other countries like Australia, Chile, and South Africa.
Hydrogen safety is a notable concern, but most respondents (68.2%) view hydrogen-powered vehicles as safe as traditional cars or pure electric vehicles. Furthermore, 80.7% believe hydrogen-powered vehicles can be used safely if they adhere to international standards.
The cost of hydrogen fuel is perceived as an obstacle, with 56.8% of respondents indicating it may hinder widespread adoption. However, 55% are willing to transition to hydrogen-fuelled vehicles if their operating costs do not exceed those of traditional or electric vehicles by more than 20%. Additionally, almost two-thirds (64.8%) prefer hydrogen-fuelled vehicles over commercial electric vehicles when considering factors like range and refuelling time.
In the context of carbon reduction, hydrogen utilisation is vital for Hong Kong’s plan to achieve carbon neutrality. An impressive 87.5% of respondents agree that hydrogen will be a crucial energy source for reducing air pollution and achieving carbon neutrality.
The CEO of APAS underscored the need for government policies to support hydrogen economy development. He calls for clear roadmaps, long-term goals, regulatory frameworks, and economic incentives for hydrogen stakeholders. Dr. Cheung also stresses the importance of expanding hydrogen and new energy-related courses at educational institutions to nurture talent in the hydrogen sector.
Professor Yun Hau Ng from City University of Hong Kong notes the industry’s strong positive sentiments about hydrogen’s development, particularly its safety. Respondents prefer commercial hydrogen vehicles due to their potential to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions, even if their cost is up to 20% higher than traditional or electric vehicles. This highlights the industry’s commitment to adopting hydrogen-powered transportation.
The “Hong Kong Hydrogen Economy Report” stresses the potential of hydrogen in Hong Kong, addressing safety, cost, and infrastructure. The report’s recommendations and survey results are pivotal in advancing Hong Kong’s journey towards a sustainable hydrogen economy.
In similar news, OpenGov Asia earlier reported that a team of researchers at the Banaras Hindu University has introduced an innovative quantum-backed green hydrogen production technology with high throughput capabilities. It can significantly enhance the large-scale production of green hydrogen.
During the inaugural ceremony, the applications of green hydrogen as an environmentally friendly energy alternative were demonstrated. They unveiled a cutting-edge quantum-powered photo-catalyst featuring a charge transfer system, combined with high proton availability and mobility. This breakthrough technology offers quantum catalytic solutions for energy generation.
