Hong Kong’s Inter-departmental Working Group on Using Hydrogen as Fuel has approved five additional trial projects related to hydrogen fuel technology. The approval came during a meeting on March 22nd.
The approved applications are as follows:
– Epro Advance Technology Limited plans to use silicon for hydrogen production to power a public housing construction site in Tung Chung.
– Waihong Environmental Services Limited aims to test two hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) refuse collection vehicles.
– The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will trial three HFC street washing vehicles.
– A joint application by China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Limited and Hong Kong Nation-Synergy International Hydrogen Power Technology Co. Limited plans to use hydrogen power generation equipment for electric machinery operation at a construction site in Sheung Shui.
– Veolia Hong Kong Holding Limited intends to produce hydrogen using landfill gas and install related hydrogen refuelling facilities at the South East New Territories Landfill Extension.
To date, the Working Group has examined and given approval to a total of 14 valid applications for hydrogen energy trial projects. Citybus Limited (Citybus)’s HFC double-deck bus began daily passenger service in late February. Sinopec (Hong Kong) Limited anticipates their hydrogen refuelling station to begin operation this year, with FEHD planning to launch its HFC street washing vehicles trial in parallel.
The Working Group has created interim standards for trial projects, guided by consultancy studies. These standards include safety guidelines for hydrogen fuel systems on vehicles and hydrogen filling stations, as well as a technical guidance note on quantitative risk assessment of hydrogen filling stations.
The group has also evaluated the safety of HFC vehicles using tunnels. It determined these vehicles’ risk is comparable to other fossil fuel vehicles and can travel in tunnels if they comply with relevant guidelines.
The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) has consulted with industry regarding these safety standards. The EMSD has formulated various codes of practice and guidance notes which the working group accepted. The department will meet with Citybus and tunnel operators to ensure the safety of hydrogen buses in tunnels.
The Hong Kong government plans to establish a Hydrogen Development Strategy by mid-2024 and initiate amendments to legislation related to hydrogen energy.
