Hong Kong authorities give the green light to 2 more trial projects to use hydrogen for producing electricity

Hong Kong's authorities have given their approval to two more trial projects that will use hydrogen to generate electricity. A representative for the Environment and Ecology Bureau announced on Friday that the applicants, which include the energy company Towngas, have reached an agreement with a government working group. This agreement ensures that their trial projects will be conducted smoothly and safely. Since March 24, nine applications for hydrogen energy trial projects have been given approval in principle. The first application was submitted jointly by China State Construction Engineering, Hong Kong Nation-Synergy International Hydrogen Power Technology and Sinopec. Their proposal is to use hydrogen fuel to supply electricity at a construction site in Lok Ma Chau. The second application was made by Towngas and a padel sports company. They plan to extract hydrogen from the existing coal gas network at a site in Sai Kung, which will be used for charging electric cars. The government working group dedicated to hydrogen fuel technology began the examination process promptly after receiving the applications in July. Approvals were granted after the applicants improved their designs and technical details. The bureau's representative noted that these trial projects will provide valuable data and field experience. This will help to establish a safety framework for the local use of hydrogen fuel in the long term. The working group is closely monitoring the progress of the projects, as well as other potential applicants. The group has asked the project applicants to consider their feedback in order to optimise the trial projects. This will enable the smooth and swift commencement of more trial projects where their hydrogen fuel technologies are feasible. The authorities also plan to start testing hydrogen fuel cell double-decker buses this year, as scheduled. Currently, hydrogen is classified as a dangerous substance. This means its production, storage and transport are prohibited unless necessary. However, the only large-scale application of hydrogen is as a component of coal gas by Towngas. This company supplies households and commercial and industrial customers with fuel via its pipeline network. The bureau's representative stated that the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department has commissioned a study to amend the Gas Safety Ordinance to include hydrogen as a source of fuel. The department will soon conduct a business impact assessment in consultation with the trade and stakeholders. The working group has also begun discussing strategies and measures for future hydrogen development. The authorities will propose a legislative amendment at an appropriate time. Towngas expressed its satisfaction with the approval, stating that it hopes to begin the trial within the year to demonstrate practical applications of hydrogen energy to the public. 'Towngas is determined to advance the project swiftly,' a spokeswoman said. 'Towngas also acknowledges the diligent progress made by the working group in their research on hydrogen energy regulations. ' The Post has reached out to Sinopec for comment.