Amid the challenges of global climate change, Hong Kong is actively promoting a transition to new energy, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels, in order to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Following the announcement of “Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong”, Hong Kong is accelerating the development and application of hydrogen energy across various sectors, committed to building a green ecological environment, seizing opportunities from hydrogen development, and helping Hong Kong move toward carbon neutrality while fostering new productive forces to maintain international competitiveness.
Driving Awareness, Inspiring Action
To promote the application and development of hydrogen energy in Hong Kong, CIC-Zero Carbon Park (CIC-ZCP) collaborates with the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) and the Education Bureau, and hosted the Hydrogen Zero Carbon STEAM Carnival during 22-23 February 2025. As the first large-scale hydrogen-themed public event, it features with exhibition booths, interactive games, hydrogen-themed STEAM workshops, and guided tours of the STEAM Lab. Additionally, three hydrogen fuelled street washing vehicle, adorned with winning designs from the “Hydrogen Fuelled Street Washing Vehicle Naming and Drawing Contest”, were displayed with new outlook to enhance public awareness of hydrogen energy.
Potential of Hydrogen Energy in Construction Industry
Hydrogen energy is regarded as a low-carbon resource with wide-ranged of applications, which is capable of reducing carbon emissions effectively and providing sustainable solutions for Hong Kong’s future. The construction industry is pushing the development of clean energy, with an aim to reduce carbon emissions significantly. For instance, the industry is exploring the feasibility of distributed electricity supply using hydrogen to replace traditional diesel generators to supply electricity to site offices and machinery at construction sites in remote areas. In addition, pilot projects have been launched to test hydrogen applications on-site, including trials of hydrogen fuel cell forklift trucks and hydrogen-powered generators to supply electricity to site offices and electrical equipment.
Organisations Join Hands to Participate and Support
Several highlights stood out at the carnival. One of the key attractions was the collaboration between The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas) and Chi Shing New Energy Technology Company Limited, who are jointly developing hydrogen power generation solutions. At the event, they showcased a newly developed hydrogen fuelled generator to the public for the first time. Leveraging Towngas’s extensive experience in energy operations, it is hoped that such power generation equipment can be applied to construction sites in Hong Kong in the future. Additionally, Refire Group who is responsible for supporting Hong Kong first’s batch of hydrogen fuelled street washing vehicle, stated that promoting hydrogen energy requires increasing market attention. This kind of large-scale carnival would enhance public acceptance of hydrogen energy and contribute to the local hydrogen energy industry and talent training. Currently, hydrogen energy is mainly applied in transportation. Aside from costs, the public is particularly concerned about the safety issue. As the EMSD and relevant government departments are establishing the legal framework for hydrogen use. It is expected that more hydrogen-powered equipment will be introduced to the market within the next few years.
Challenges and Opportunities
As a showcase for the blueprint of a sustainable smart city, CIC-ZCP is actively exploring the application of hydrogen energy. This initiative aims to promote the application and development of hydrogen energy in Hong Kong, helping the industry move toward zero emissions.
The story of hydrogen energy development in Hong Kong embarks on a new chapter in promoting innovative technology. Through the efforts of various sectors, community participation, and technological advancements, Hong Kong will step on the path to green transformation, contributing to the fight against climate change. Let us work together with concerted efforts to make carbon zero as an achievable goal in the near future.
