HK's New Hydrogen Innovation Strategy Released

The Hong Kong government have recently announced the comprehensive Strategy for Hydrogen Development (the Hydrogen Strategy).

The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, highlighted the global imperative to phase out fossil fuels and accelerate energy transition to tackle climate change.

Hydrogen energy is recognised as a low-carbon energy source with significant development potential and promoted worldwide.

Mr Tse emphasised that with a solid foundation for hydrogen energy development, it will become a crucial component of Hong Kong’s future national energy system. “Seizing the opportunities brought by hydrogen energy can help Hong Kong strive towards carbon neutrality, develop a new productive force, and maintain international competitiveness,” he said.

Inter-departmental Working Group on Hydrogen

In preparation for hydrogen energy development opportunities, the Government established the Inter-departmental Working Group on Using Hydrogen as Fuel (the Working Group) in 2022. This group, comprising over 10 bureaux and professional departments aims to remove barriers and facilitate the commencement of local hydrogen applications.

This Group has formulated interim standards for hydrogen applications in Hong Kong and granted agreement in principle to 14 projects. These projects, encompassing cross-boundary hydrogen transportation, supply facilities, and applications in transport, construction sites, and remote areas, have commenced progressively.

This Hydrogen Strategy addresses the technical challenges in six key areas: Safety, Suitable Technologies, Infrastructure, Cost-Effectiveness, Capacity Building, and Public Acceptance.

The Strategy summarises four major strategies:

1. Improving Legislation: To introduce legislative amendments in the first half of 2025 to regulate the manufacture, storage, transport, supply and use of hydrogen as fuel.
2. Establishing Standards: To formulate a certification approach for hydrogen standards aligning with international practices by 2027.
3. Aligning with the Market: To promote regional cooperation, investment outside Hong Kong, and the development or importation of hydrogen through joint ventures.
4. Advancing with Prudence: To create an environment conducive to the prudent and orderly development of hydrogen energy.

Leveraging Opportunities and Enhancing Cooperation:

This Strategy aims to help Hong Kong capitalise on environmental and economic opportunities presented by global hydrogen energy developments. It also broadens cooperation with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and integrates into the country’s thorough development.

Strong support from the mainland and close global connections leveraged to promote their nation as a demonstration base for hydrogen energy development add distinct advantages for Hong Kong

This Strategy will also facilitate hydrogen industry development in the Belt and Road region. Collaboration with Invest Hong Kong and relevant bureaux will capitalise on Hong Kong’s roles as a “super-connector” and “super value-adder” to attract overseas and Mainland enterprises and talent.

Implementing the Hydrogen Strategy:

The roles and functions of the Working Group are to ensure effective implementation of the Hydrogen Strategy.

The group will:

• Examine and approve future trial projects.
• Coordinate the development and enhancement of technical standards and guidelines for hydrogen applications.
• Advise on pathways for wider application and commercialisation of hydrogen projects.
• Provide support for local infrastructure development and capacity building.
• Promote the popularisation of hydrogen applications.
• Regularly review implementation progress and update the Hydrogen Strategy accordingly.