Hong Kong is making strides in developing a hydrogen economy, aiming to transition to zero emissions. In West Kowloon, the city’s first hydrogen-refuelling station has been operational since February, powering a zero-emission bus capable of running 400km on a single refuel. This pilot project is among 14 initiatives supported by the government to explore hydrogen’s potential, including using hydrogen from landfill gases and the Towngas network to power various vehicles and machinery.
Despite the HK$600 million in funding from green tech and new energy transport funds, industry leaders urge the government to accelerate its efforts. Linde HKO produces hydrogen by splitting water at Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate and supplies it to the Citybus depot. The hydrogen bus, co-developed with Wisdom Motor, costs HK$8 million, but prices are expected to decrease with increased production.
Citybus faces a crucial decision by 2027, as it aims to transform its fleet of over 1,700 buses to zero emissions by 2045. To make an informed choice, Citybus will expand its hydrogen bus fleet and compare it against battery-powered and diesel buses in a trial next year. Hydrogen buses currently offer advantages in mileage, refuelling time, and passenger capacity over battery buses, which are limited by energy demands and long charging times.
Citybus plans to construct a larger hydrogen refuelling station at its Chai Wan depot, with Towngas providing the hydrogen. Towngas will install a facility to extract hydrogen from its existing gas network, supplying enough fuel for 10 to 12 buses daily. In the long term, Hong Kong will need to import green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy, to meet its decarbonization goals.
Cedric Chung, Linde HKO’s general manager, highlighted the high cost of hydrogen compared to diesel and the need for public education on hydrogen safety. Financial incentives, such as subsidies and carbon pricing, are essential for fostering a local hydrogen industry. Mainland China’s subsidy system has successfully supported the growth of its hydrogen public transport sector, which now boasts the largest number of hydrogen buses and refuelling stations worldwide.
Hong Kong’s hydrogen development blueprint includes plans to support local research and subsidize initial operating costs. Legislative changes next year will establish safety standards and allow more pilot projects. CLP Power, Hong Kong’s largest carbon emitter, plans to blend hydrogen with natural gas for power generation and potentially repurpose its facilities to import green hydrogen.
The Hong Kong Hydrogen Alliance, formed by various stakeholders including Towngas and Linde HKO, advocates for a government hydrogen office to coordinate efforts, develop action plans, and conduct market studies. Improved land use flexibility and shared infrastructure for hydrogen logistics could expedite investment decisions and enhance efficiency across the hydrogen economy.
By taking a collaborative, multi-sector approach, Hong Kong aims to overcome challenges and successfully transition to a sustainable, zero-emission future.
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