Clear targets, finance methods needed to make Hong Kong hydrogen push a success: experts

Mainland China ‘at least 10 years’ ahead of Hong Kong in developing hydrogen technology, green group says

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Storage tanks at a hydrogen plant in China’s Xinjiang region. An expert says the mainland is way ahead of Hong Kong in developing hydrogen technology. Photo: VCG/VCG via Getty Images

Published: 10:00am, 19 Jun 2024Updated: 2:38pm, 19 Jun 2024

Hong Kong’s strategy for developing hydrogen as a fuel will require clear targets and a financing mechanism to make it a success, experts have said, warning that the city is already lagging behind others in the region.

A Post comparison of the respective hydrogen strategies of Hong Kong and Singapore found many similarities, except that the city state has committed resources for projected demand.

Plato Yip Kwong-to, chairman of conservation group Friends of the Earth, said mainland China was “at least 10 years” more advanced than Hong Kong in developing hydrogen technology.

“For example, electrolysers produced by mainland China are the top in the world,” he said, referring to a device that splits water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.

“If you want to collaborate with Shenzhen, you definitely don’t have as much talent [in Hong Kong].”

Hong Kong environmental authorities released a strategy report on Monday designed to boost the development of hydrogen infrastructure and nurture talent with relevant professional knowledge and skills. The development of hydrogen power would help the city reach its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, officials said.