Accelerating Hong Kong's Hydrogen Ecosystem Through Government Support
Key Ideas
- Senior executives in Hong Kong urge for streamlined approval procedures, more pilot projects, and increased financial support to boost the city's hydrogen ecosystem.
- Veolia and Hong Kong and China Gas collaborate on Hong Kong's first green hydrogen project at a landfill site, converting landfill gas into hydrogen for energy production.
- Companies face challenges with slow approval processes for hydrogen projects, hindering deployment; calls for shorter approval times as technology advances.
- China State Construction Engineering partners with other companies on a pilot project to generate electricity from hydrogen at Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park.
During the InnoTech Forum hosted by InvestHK in Hong Kong, senior executives from various sectors of the energy supply chain emphasized the need for more government support to expedite the development of the city's hydrogen ecosystem. Industry leaders proposed that simplifying approval procedures, enabling more pilot projects, and providing additional financial assistance would not only attract more investments but also contribute to cost reduction in the sector. Norman Cheng, Veolia Hong Kong's business development director, highlighted the importance of establishing a code of practice and standards for hydrogen projects, which would facilitate easier investments and boost investor confidence.
Veolia, in collaboration with Hong Kong and China Gas, is spearheading Hong Kong's maiden green hydrogen initiative at the South East New Territories Landfill Extension. The project aims to convert landfill gas into hydrogen for energy supply, simultaneously curbing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the protracted approval process emerged as a significant challenge for companies venturing into hydrogen demonstration projects. Shao Ruizhe from China State Construction Engineering cited delays in project approvals, emphasizing the need for expedited processes as hydrogen technology evolves.
Of note is the partnership between China State Construction Engineering, Hong Kong Nation-Synergy International Hydrogen Power Technology, and Sinopec (Hong Kong) on a pilot project at the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park. This collaboration intends to generate electricity from hydrogen, demonstrating the potential for hydrogen applications in diverse settings. The collective industry push for governmental backing underscores the growing momentum towards sustainable and innovative energy solutions in Hong Kong's evolving landscape.