Hong Kong recently received its first hydrogen-powered light rail train, marking a significant milestone in the city’s quest to become carbon neutral by 2050.

The MTR Corporation, responsible for the city’s rail operations, is spearheading this initiative.

The MTR Corporation has announced that the hydrogen train will undergo a trial run in Tuen Mun later this year. Notably, the train will not carry passengers during this trial, raising questions about the extent to which this project is a serious commitment to sustainable energy or merely a demonstration to satisfy environmental goals. With 14 hydrogen projects approved in principle, it’s unclear whether this initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy or a piecemeal effort with limited real-world impact.

Hong Kong’s recent release of a hydrogen development strategy aims to legalize the use of hydrogen as an energy source. However, the slow pace of progress, exemplified by the limited scope of the current projects, suggests that the city has a long way to go before hydrogen can play a meaningful role in its energy mix. Other approved projects, such as Sinopec’s refilling station and Linde HKO’s tube trailer scheme, indicate a cautious approach rather than a full-fledged commitment to hydrogen.