Towngas seeks faster approvals for hydrogen trials

The company backed a new energy office tied to China’s five-year development plan.

The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas) called for faster approvals for hydrogen projects and the creation of a dedicated energy office as Hong Kong moves to align its development plans with mainland China’s 15th Five-Year Plan.

In a statement on 19 May, Towngas backed proposals from Our Hong Kong Foundation to streamline the approval process for hydrogen pilot projects, including setting a two-month target for the Inter-departmental Working Group on Using Hydrogen as Fuel (IWG) to decide on applications.

The company said hydrogen trial approvals currently take several months, which industry participants have raised as a concern.

Towngas also supported the establishment of an “Energy Office,” which could later be upgraded into an “Energy Bureau,” to oversee long-term energy policy and planning.

The proposals come as Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said the city would develop its first five-year blueprint aligned with China’s national development plan, which includes support for green development and innovation initiatives.

Towngas also proposed adding hydrogen generators to the pre-approved equipment list under the Construction Innovation and Technology Fund to speed up deployment at construction sites.

The company said hydrogen-powered equipment could help reduce emissions and noise at construction projects.

Towngas added that it would work with the government on its planned green hydrogen scheme and use its first green hydrogen project to support the development of a local hydrogen certification system.

Towngas chief operating officer Don Cheng Hill-kwong said Hong Kong should accelerate approvals and reduce administrative hurdles as neighbouring markets advance their own energy transition plans.