Today, grey hydrogen – which involves fossil fuels without emissions captured – dominates the hydrogen market. However, its market share is expected to decline as global demand for clean hydrogen grows, amid a wider acceptance of renewable energy that could help meet net-zero goals.
In Hong Kong, the authorities are still preparing to legally distinguish between hydrogen and other dangerous goods, with legislative amendment proposals to be submitted next year.
The authorities should step things up by referring to successful examples on the mainland, rather than spending resources and time reinventing the wheel.
Green hydrogen applications are wide-ranging, from industry to transport and power generation.
That our environmental authorities have given no timeline for when green hydrogen will be introduced on a larger scale is a disappointment. They can and should create demand by setting hydrogen uptake targets for at least the power and transport sectors. When there are targets, local and foreign entrepreneurs will invest in supplying this sustainable fuel.
The administration should also draw up a blueprint for developing the hydrogen economy to achieve multiple goals, such as reaching carbon neutrality before 2050 and attracting foreign investment.
Thus, the city’s economy would be boosted sustainably. What a good story of Hong Kong that would be.
Edwin Lau Che-feng, executive director, The Green Earth
Innovation hub project should address residents’ concerns
Firstly, the plan to cut down about 2,000 trees is concerning. These trees constitute an important part of a green belt, contributing significantly to ecological balance and providing not only habitat for wildlife but also green space for residents. The removal of such a large number of trees would have a substantial impact on the local environment, exacerbating the urban heat island effect and potentially reducing air quality in the area.
Although HKU held briefings, many residents feel that their voices have not been sufficiently heard or considered. A public consultation is essential to ensuring a project addresses the concerns of the local community. In this case, the perception that the consultation process was a mere formality raises questions about transparency and inclusiveness.
Traffic congestion is another concern. The proposed innovation hub is expected to draw more vehicular traffic, potentially leading to more traffic jams and higher risk of accidents. The existing infrastructure may not be able to handle the additional load that such a large-scale project would bring. Without substantial upgrades to the transport network, the project could disrupt residents’ daily commutes and quality of life.
It is worth considering alternative sites such as the San Tin Technopole, which may be more suitable for such a significant development.
While the goal of fostering innovation and technological advancement is commendable, it should not come at the expense of environmental sustainability and communal well-being. I urge the authorities and HKU to reconsider the proposed location of the innovation centre and engage in more meaningful dialogue with the affected community to find a more balanced and sustainable solution.
Terry Wong, Pok Fu Lam
‘Mr Ho’ and the maths of longevity
Mr Ho might have prayed for this day, when he is walking away from an early grave, hand in hand with his wife.
Edmond Pang, Fanling
