Hong Kong will become mainland China’s showcase for developing hydrogen under new plans that will legalise the widespread use of the energy source by next year, in a push to cut the city’s carbon emissions. “Our country already has a strong foundation in hydrogen development, which is a key component of our national energy sources,” said Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan at a press briefing. “If Hong Kong can seize this opportunity, the city will progress towards its goal of carbon neutrality, develop new quality products and maintain Hong Kong’s international competitiveness.
” Tse added the city should also leverage its unique advantages of “enjoying strong support of the motherland” while being “closely connected to the world” so that Hong Kong could be a touchstone that demonstrates the country’s development of hydrogen energy. “It’s a little unrealistic for Hong Kong to pursue hydrogen development and usage on its own,” Tse said. “Developments on the mainland have already established a foundation and certain standards in terms of production, storage, refuelling, fuel cells and system developments.
” He noted that, according to its hydrogen energy strategy, the government would consider amending the Gas Safety Ordinance to distinguish hydrogen from other dangerous goods. It would also submit legislative amendment proposals to the Legislative Council in the first half of 2025 and establish different types of hydrogen energy .
