Under the auspices of Mr. Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Citybus has inaugurated its pioneering hydrogen double-deck bus and refueling station, marking a significant leap in Hong Kong’s hydrogen transportation and infrastructure. This development signifies the licensing of Hong Kong’s first hydrogen vehicle and the commencement of the city’s inaugural hydrogen refueling station, in line with the slogan “The Future is H2re.” The service launch of the hydrogen bus is anticipated in January 2024, with plans to acquire additional production model hydrogen buses for comparative testing against electric and diesel buses, providing valuable insights for government policy formulation.
The ceremony, held at Citybus’s West Kowloon Depot, featured not only the Chief Executive but also Secretary for Environment and Ecology Mr. Tse Chin-wan and Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mr. Lam Sai-hung. During the event, Mr. Cliff Zhang, Chairman of Citybus, highlighted the completion of type approval for the world’s first tri-axle hydrogen double-deck bus, also making it the first licensed hydrogen vehicle in Hong Kong. The Chief Executive himself took the inaugural ride on the bus, showcasing its unique advantages.
Mr. Zhang emphasized hydrogen’s critical role in the national energy landscape and Citybus’s proactive collaboration with various government departments to initiate Hong Kong’s hydrogen era. He expressed confidence that the hydrogen bus and refueling station would serve as iconic zero-emission projects for Hong Kong internationally.
Citybus is committed to supporting Hong Kong’s carbon neutrality goal through its #MissionZero campaign, pledging a full-fleet of zero-emission buses by 2045. The hydrogen buses offer a range comparable to diesel vehicles with a short refueling time, thus facilitating a “one-for-one replacement” of diesel buses. The production model hydrogen bus, with double the hydrogen storage capacity, is expected to cover a 400 km range under Hong Kong’s operating conditions. Additionally, hydrogen vehicles produce only water as a by-product, underscoring their environmental benefits.
Citybus plans to put the bus into service by early 2024, following internal testing and preparation. The first phase of operation will cover Kowloon routes, supported by Hong Kong’s first hydrogen refueling station, supplied by CIMC Hydrogen Energy Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. Plans for a second, larger hydrogen refueling station at the Hong Kong Island Chong Fu Depot are also underway, set to commence within 2024.
To assess hydrogen buses’ performance across various routes, Citybus will introduce at least five additional production model hydrogen buses next year for parallel testing with diesel and electric buses. This initiative aims to provide the Government with comprehensive data to shape a citywide green transformation roadmap for public buses and taxis, and a “Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong.”
The following is the speech delivered by Chief Executive Li Ka-chiu today (November 30) at the launch ceremony of Hong Kong’s first hydrogen refueling station and first double-decker hydrogen bus: Consuls-General, Chairman Zhang Kun (Chairman and CEO of Shanshui Capital
Chairman of Citybus Limited), distinguished guests and friends:
Good morning everyone! I am very pleased to attend the launch ceremony of Hong Kong’s first bus hydrogenation station and the first double-decker hydrogen bus today. I believe that apart from me, all bus fans in Hong Kong are very excited and look forward to the opportunity to take photos and “check in” with this new double-decker hydrogen bus as soon as possible.
Facing the challenge of climate change, in order to achieve carbon neutrality, all parts of the world are working hard to eliminate fossil fuels and accelerate energy transformation. The development of new energy transportation is the general trend. The country has clearly positioned hydrogen energy as an important part of the future national energy system and has proposed goals for each stage of hydrogen energy industry development.
Hydrogen vehicles have the advantages of long-distance driving capabilities and fast refueling times, and have the potential to become an energy source for global low-carbon transformation. In last year’s Policy Address, I proposed the trial operation of hydrogen fuel cell double-decker buses this year.
In this year’s “Policy Address”, I further proposed to formulate a “Hong Kong Hydrogen Energy Development Strategy” next year and start the legislative revision work on the manufacturing, storage, transportation and use of hydrogen energy, with the goal of submitting the draft in 2025.
Franchised buses are Hong Kong’s main road public transport, carrying more than 3 million passengers every day. I am very pleased to see that Hong Kong’s franchised bus operators are actively responding to the government’s environmental policies. Among them, Citybus, while providing convenient and affordable services to the public, is actively introducing new energy technologies and is responsible for environmental protection and sustainable development. I will definitely take responsibility and make contributions.
Citybus successfully introduced Hong Kong’s first electric double-decker bus last year. Through close cooperation with the government, Citybus has taken a step further today. Its first double-decker hydrogen bus and first hydrogen refueling station have been approved by the government’s hydrogen energy inter-departmental working group and can be put into service to provide Hong Kong with The use of new energy vehicles has set an important milestone.
Compared with traditional diesel buses, hydrogen buses can effectively improve roadside air quality. Like electric buses, these buses are powered by motors, making the environment in the cabin quieter and providing passengers with a better travel experience. . I am also looking forward to becoming one of the first passengers and trying out this environmentally friendly and comfortable double-decker hydrogen bus.
Citybus’ parent company, Shanshui Capital, has investments in different industries at home and abroad. This year, Chairman Zhang Kun participated in the Hong Kong delegation led by me that visited the Middle East and ASEAN. During the visit, we reached a memorandum of cooperation with local companies to support Hong Kong’s participation in the “One Belt, One Road” initiative.
I am happy to know that after my visit to the Middle East, Shanshui’s companies have successfully cooperated with multiple local governments in the UAE to provide the first batch of hydrogen buses and hydrogen refueling stations. This fully demonstrates Hong Kong’s unique advantages of being backed by the motherland and connected to the world under “one country, two systems”. It also proves that Hong Kong’s diversified professional services are in line with international standards and can play the role of “super contact person” and “super value-added person” to promote the “Belt and Road Initiative” “High-quality development of the region.”
I am even more happy that Chairman Zhang Kun has implemented my concept of “targeting results” so that Hong Kong can create more fruitful results for everyone to enjoy, and lead Hong Kong on a new journey of governance and prosperity.
Looking forward, the government will promote the development of Hong Kong’s hydrogen economy by promoting hydrogen fuel technology pilot projects and drawing on the hydrogen energy development experience of the mainland and overseas to formulate a local safe operation framework and regulations for the long-term use of hydrogen fuel. I look forward to more hydrogen fuel pilot projects in Hong Kong.
Here, I would like to thank Citybus for its support in promoting the development of green transportation in Hong Kong and taking an important step towards achieving zero vehicle emissions and carbon neutrality, bringing us a cleaner and more environmentally friendly community.
Another important step towards building a better community is, of course, next Sunday, December 10, the voting day for the District Council election. I encourage everyone present to vote on December 10 with their families, colleagues, relatives and friends, and build a better community together.
Finally, I wish Hong Kong’s hydrogen transportation development will continue and that everyone present will be healthy. Thank you all.
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