Prof. BU Siqi, Member of Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE), Associate Head (Research) and Professor of Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, recently gave an interview to Wen Wei Po, in which he shared professional views on the development prospects of hydrogen-powered vehicles.
As hydrogen energy gradually becomes an important direction for Hong Kong’s new energy development, the city now has 35 pilot projects under way or in preparation. These projects cover a wide range of applications, including hydrogen buses, street-washing vehicles, power generation equipment for construction sites, and public hydrogen refuelling stations. Prof. Bu noted that hydrogen fuel cell vehicles can help overcome some of the limitations of battery electric vehicles, offering advantages such as rapid refuelling and longer driving range. These features make them particularly suitable for heavy-duty vehicles and long-haul transport. He also observed that the development of hydrogen energy still faces challenges in terms of cost and efficiency. In particular, the production of green hydrogen remains expensive, while energy losses during the conversion process are still relatively high. He expects that only after 2040 will green hydrogen costs gradually become comparable to those of diesel. Nevertheless, hydrogen has the potential to store surplus electricity generated from solar and wind power, which could help improve the overall utilisation and effectiveness of renewable energy.
In addition to hydrogen, ammonia energy is also regarded as an alternative fuel with considerable development potential. Prof. Bu pointed out that ammonia is more widely available and relatively chemically stable, and is less prone to explosion. In the event of leakage, its strong and distinctive smell also makes it easier to detect at an early stage, offering greater safety. However, he stressed that ammonia-related technologies are still at an early stage of research and will require further development before wider adoption becomes feasible. Prof. Bu believes that there remains considerable scope to improve conversion efficiency in both the production and use of green hydrogen.
To drive innovation in hydrogen technologies, products and business models, the Environment and Ecology Bureau has established the Low-carbon Green Research Fund and the New Energy Transport Fund to support research institutions and industry in carrying out relevant green technology research and pilot projects. The Bureau will organise Hydrogen Week in May to promote exchange and collaboration between Hong Kong and the Mainland in related fields.
Online coverage:
Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4vl750S
| Research Units | Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy |
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