The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Environmental Affairs and Panel on Transport conducted a joint visit to the Citybus Hydrogen Refuelling Station and its hydrogen bus today (December 12) to understand the latest development in the adoption of clean energy in Hong Kong's public transportation.
Members first took a ride on Citybus's electric double deck bus from the LegCo Complex to the bus company's depot in West Kowloon. Upon arrival, Members received a briefing by the Citybus management on the company's future development direction and its zero-emission transformation campaign. They noted that Citybus plans to operate a full fleet of zero-emission buses by 2045, with a view to supporting Hong Kong to achieve carbon neutrality.
Members then observed Hong Kong's first hydrogen refuelling station and the world's first tri-axle hydrogen double deck bus. They understood that the hydrogen bus has been licensed by the Government and will commence service as early as January next year. The hydrogen bus can be refuelled in about 10 minutes and its driving range is sufficient to meet the daily operational needs of each bus, enabling it to operate on most routes. Meanwhile, Citybus's second hydrogen refuelling station is in the pipeline and is expected to commence operation within next year.
Before concluding the itinerary, Members took a test ride on the hydrogen bus to experience firsthand the environmental friendliness of the hydrogen-powered double-decker, which includes producing only water during the energy transformation process – effectively achieving zero emission.
Members opined that the Government should put in place a legal framework for the production, storage, transportation and application of hydrogen energy as soon as possible, so as to promote the development of hydrogen transport and innovations in hydrogen technologies in Hong Kong.
A total of 10 members and non-members of the Panel on Environmental Affairs and the Panel on Transport joined the visit.
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