Towngas and HKSTP Launch Hong Kong’s First Public EV Hydrogen Charging System to Accelerate Green Energy Transition
The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas) and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) have entered into a strategic partnership to co-develop Hong Kong’s first public electric vehicle (EV) automatic hydrogen charging system. This landmark project officially commenced at Hong Kong Science Park and is scheduled for completion and commissioning in the second quarter of 2026. The initiative not only advances the city’s green energy capabilities but also represents a foundational step in establishing hydrogen infrastructure for cleaner transportation.
A Groundbreaking Hydrogen Charging Initiative
Under the terms of the partnership, Towngas will lead the construction of the hydrogen charging facility, while HKSTP will oversee its operation and management. Once operational, the system will become a demonstration base for future hydrogen-based technologies in Hong Kong, showcasing the feasibility and benefits of hydrogen as a clean energy alternative.
The facility will integrate a complete ecosystem of hydrogen energy solutions, including hydrogen extraction, power generation through fuel cells, energy storage, and intelligent electrical control systems. Uniquely, the system will extract hydrogen—at a purity level exceeding 99.97%—directly from the city’s existing Towngas gas network. This hydrogen will be used to power fuel cells, which in turn will supply electricity to EV charging stations across the Science Park.
The charging system is designed to be fully automatic, requiring no manual operation. It is expected to produce approximately 12 kilograms of hydrogen daily, sufficient to power five 7kW EV charging stations. Because the hydrogen power generation process produces only water vapor, it eliminates carbon dioxide emissions, making it a sustainable and highly efficient energy solution. Energy storage units will be incorporated to ensure a reliable and uninterrupted power supply.
Industry Leadership and Expertise
Towngas Managing Director Mr. Peter Wong Wai-yee emphasized the company’s longstanding experience with hydrogen, stating, “About 50% of the gas supplied by Towngas consists of hydrogen. With over 160 years of experience in hydrogen-related technologies, we have mature capabilities in hydrogen extraction and storage. Applying these technologies at the Science Park will allow us to create replicable models for hydrogen fuel cell systems that can be expanded to other scenarios.”
He added that the collaboration not only serves Hong Kong’s pressing need for EV charging infrastructure but also offers the public a cleaner, alternative energy source. “This project could mark the beginning of a new phase in urban energy infrastructure, promoting the adoption of hydrogen as a mainstream solution for power and mobility.”
Supporting Carbon Neutrality and Innovation
HKSTP CEO Mr. Albert Wong Hak-keung echoed these sentiments, stressing HKSTP’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. “HKSTP was the first statutory body in Hong Kong to pledge Net-Zero emissions by 2045. Through this partnership with Towngas, we are translating innovative technologies into tangible carbon reduction strategies. This automatic hydrogen charging system demonstrates how hydrogen can be applied in EV charging scenarios and will serve as a catalyst to accelerate green transport transformation in Hong Kong.”
Wong expressed hope that the project would inspire other enterprises to pursue hydrogen innovations and help expand Hong Kong’s hydrogen infrastructure ecosystem. “By enabling cross-sector collaborations, we aim to build an environment conducive to sustainable development and energy diversification.”
Government Endorsement and Strategic Alignment
Hong Kong’s Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr. Tse Chin-wan, voiced strong governmental support for the initiative. He highlighted how it aligns with the city’s broader environmental objectives, particularly the Hydrogen Strategy announced in 2023. “The strategy aims to foster a conducive environment for hydrogen development in a safe, prudent, and orderly way,” Tse noted.
He also pointed out that Hong Kong’s existing gas pipelines already contain approximately 50% hydrogen, making it technically feasible to extract hydrogen for downstream applications. “This project by Towngas and HKSTP is significant in that it explores how hydrogen can be drawn from existing networks at the user end for power generation. It offers an important technical demonstration for leveraging the city’s infrastructure to support hydrogen development and could inject momentum into our broader goal of transitioning to a low-carbon economy.”
