Author: Ezra Cheung
Hong Kong authorities are working with the Airport Authority to establish a “demonstration facility” that can transform garbage into clean hydrogen energy, revealed Environment Minister Tse Chin-wan. This initiative is part of the government’s plan to allocate space in development areas like the San Tin Technopole and the broader Northern Metropolis for the application, production, and supply of new energy sources.Tse mentioned during a Legislative Council session that they are exploring the construction of waste-to-hydrogen facilities for demonstration purposes, despite the need for significant land resources. The government aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and is keen on converting…
Hydrogen, a clean energy source that produces only water vapor when burned, is seen as a key factor in helping cities like Hong Kong reach carbon neutrality by 2050. Tse Chin-wan, the secretary for environment and ecology, emphasized the importance of developing hydrogen power along with necessary infrastructure and talent training to achieve this goal. Beijing has already taken steps to promote hydrogen energy by publishing a white paper in 2020 to increase the use of hydrogen in the nation’s fuel mix. Despite the benefits of hydrogen, its production processes may emit carbon, offsetting its decarbonization benefits. Currently, there are…
Hong Kong is poised to make strides towards carbon neutrality and enhance its international competitiveness by tapping into the potential of hydrogen energy, as highlighted by Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan. A hydrogen-powered street washer would produce only water vapour, unlike conventional vehicles that run on fossil fuels and emit greenhouse gases. Photo: Sam Tsang Tse emphasized the importance of leveraging Hong Kong’s unique advantages and aligning with mainland developments to propel hydrogen energy initiatives. The government plans to introduce legislative amendments and certification standards to facilitate the safe adoption and integration of hydrogen technology in various sectors.…
CLP, Hong Kong’s power supplier, is under pressure after six electrical incidents this year, with the latest blackout affecting 2,250 households in Wong Tai Sin. Residents faced challenges with no power for hours, leading to losses for businesses and inconveniences for individuals. The incidents have raised concerns about CLP’s service reliability and prompted authorities to take action. Recent Major Disruptions: A series of incidents involving cable faults and power supply interruptions have highlighted the need for stricter oversight and preventive measures to ensure public safety. Authorities’ Response: Environmental authorities have demanded CLP to review its management system, and introduced penalties…
In response to queries about household food waste collection, the Environmental Protection Department in Hong Kong plans to set up more public food waste recycling points for convenient recycling outlets. Minister Tse stated that they have already installed food waste bins in public housing estates and are expanding to private housing estates and rural villages. The department has equipped these bins with various sensors to enhance collection efficiency. Tse also highlighted plans to increase the city’s food waste recycling capacity to handle up to 1,000 tonnes per day. However, lawmakers have expressed concerns about the timeline and capabilities to treat…
In an effort to reduce the quarantine period for cats and dogs being imported into Hong Kong, the government is considering allowing a shorter quarantine period. However, all pets must still be vaccinated and tested for rabies, according to the city’s environment chief. Currently, pets coming from high-risk areas like mainland China, Macau, Dubai, Thailand, and Malaysia have to undergo a 120-day quarantine before entry. The environment minister mentioned that the study to reduce this quarantine period is in its final stages. Furthermore, different quarantine requirements are in place based on the origin of the animals. While pets from certain…
Get ready for a five-day culinary extravaganza as the second edition of the food festival at Victoria Park, Hong Kong kicks off. However, initial reviews are not so favorable, with visitors expressing disappointment over the lack of sampling choices and the sweltering heat. Guests at the “Hometown Market” festival from mainland China were hesitant to spend, with some not finding the sampling options satisfactory. One visitor, Keen Tsoi, even lamented the absence of wine sampling at a booth. Despite the challenges, popular products like young coconut and chilled herbal tea are making a mark. Participants from different provinces are showcasing…
A tragic fire at a 60-year-old building in Hong Kong claimed the lives of five people and left 43 others injured. The blaze was fueled by plastic boxes and wires, leading to a rapid spread of flames and smoke. Despite efforts to control the fire within 90 minutes, the damage was extensive. The incident highlighted the safety hazards posed by dilapidated buildings in the city. The authorities have vowed to increase inspections of old buildings and commercial premises to prevent future tragedies. Investigations into the building, known as New Lucky House, revealed longstanding non-compliance issues. Disputes among owners over maintenance…
Organic Tech and its parent company, Baguio Green Group, won a government tender to set up a plant in Tuen Mun’s EcoPark to treat the city’s chicken waste using black soldier fly larvae. This revolutionary technology, dating back to the 1970s, has gained traction globally with countries like the US, UK, and Singapore adopting similar projects. Mainland China has seen a significant rise in the black soldier fly market in recent years. In Hong Kong, Baguio Green Group’s BSF Hatch facility has successfully processed chicken waste, generating high-protein animal feed, pet food, and biodiesel. The Environmental Protection Department is exploring…
Despite improvements in the property and stock markets, Hong Kong’s economic recovery has been uneven across sectors, with retail and catering industries struggling due to changing spending habits, according to Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po. Chan emphasized the need to create momentum for faster growth to build confidence. The removal of property market cooling measures has led to a rebound, with the Hang Seng Index jumping over 3,300 points in the past four weeks. Property prices have reversed months of decline, and transaction volumes have increased significantly, indicating an overall improvement in Hong Kong’s macroeconomic situation. The government’s focus is…