The Government today announced the Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong.

While outlining the hydrogen strategy at a launch event this afternoon, Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan said that hydrogen energy is regarded as a low-carbon energy with development potential, as the world is striving to phase out fossil fuels and accelerate energy transition to tackle the challenge of climate change.

Apart from pointing out that the country has stated clearly that hydrogen would be an important component of the national energy system in the future, Mr Tse emphasised that seizing the opportunities brought about by hydrogen energy development can help Hong Kong strive towards carbon neutrality, develop a new quality productive force and maintain international competitiveness.

To prepare for opportunities presented by the development of hydrogen energy, the Government set up an Inter-departmental Working Group on Using Hydrogen as Fuel in 2022.

The working group has assisted in formulating interim standards for hydrogen applications in Hong Kong and has given agreement-in-principle to 14 projects.

Such projects, including cross-boundary hydrogen transportation, supply facilities, as well as applications in transport, construction sites and remote areas, have commenced progressively.

Having reviewed various considerations, the Government has formulated the hydrogen strategy to address the technical challenges in the six major areas of safety, suitable technologies, infrastructure, cost effectiveness, capacity building and public acceptance, as well as the unique situation of Hong Kong.

The strategy sets out the four major strategies of improving legislations, establishing standards, aligning with the market, and advancing with prudence, in order to create an environment conducive to hydrogen energy development in Hong Kong in a prudent and orderly manner.

It is hoped that under such a plan, Hong Kong would be able to capitalise on the opportunities brought about by the recent developments of hydrogen energy in different parts of the world, the country in particular.

It can also help the city broaden its co-operation with the Greater Bay Area and even the world, integrate into the country’s overall development, and develop a new quality productive force.

According to the hydrogen strategy, the Government will introduce legislative amendments in the first half of 2025 to provide a legal basis for regulating the manufacture, storage, transport, supply and use of hydrogen used or intended to be used as fuel.

The strategy also specifies that the Government will formulate the approach for certifying a hydrogen standard that aligns with international practices by 2027.

Furthermore, the Government will promote regional co-operation, investment outside Hong Kong, development or importation of hydrogen through joint ventures; promote Hong Kong as a demonstration base for hydrogen energy development in the country; facilitate the development of the hydrogen industry in the Belt & Road region; and promote Hong Kong’s business opportunities arising from hydrogen energy development to overseas and Mainland potential enterprises and talent.

As for the hydrogen strategy’s implementation, the Government will expand the roles and functions of the working group.

In addition to examining and approving future trial projects, the working group will co-ordinate the development and continuous enhancement of the relevant technical standards and guidelines for hydrogen applications.

Moreover, it will advise on the pathway for wider application and commercialisation of various hydrogen projects, provide support for local infrastructure developments and capacity building for hydrogen applications, assist in promoting the popularisation of hydrogen applications, and regularly review the implementation progress and update the hydrogen strategy.