The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has secured a leading position in funding from the Green Tech Fund, receiving a total grant of HK$14.09 million for three innovative projects aimed at sustainable development.
The three projects harness groundbreaking research and technology to develop innovative solutions in the areas of zero-carbon energy, waste management and reduction, and energy saving and efficiency. All the three PolyU funded projects are granted for a period of two years. A total of eight projects are awarded in this third round of the Green Tech Fund.
Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, said, “PolyU has been recognised for its achievements in the field of green technology. Our innovative technologies and practical carbon reduction strategies covers a wide range of areas, including waste-to-energy technology, clean energy solutions, waste management practices, carbon emissions reduction, energy conservation, green building materials, and more. PolyU researchers are dedicated to contributing to global carbon neutrality and sustainable development through their expertise and impactful scientific research. “
Led by Dr Molly Meng-jung LI, Assistant Professor of Department of Applied Physics, the project titled “The first intelligent ammonia-powered zero-carbon versatile-energy supply station, NH3-VESS” receives a grant of HK$4.61 million. The project introduces a clean, zero-carbon system for energy management that is flexible, localised and scalable. It employs PolyU’s proprietary catalyst to convert ammonia into hydrogen, facilitating the development of energy stations for various applications such as vehicles, heat and power, renewables extension and homes and facilities.
Led by Dr Ben Shao-Yuan LEU, Associate Professor of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the project titled “Study of ammonia pretreatment – power generation system toward complete valorization of food waste digestate” is granted funding of HK$6.87 million. The project aims for long-term waste management, encompassing land conservation, power generation and carbon reduction. This ammonia pretreatment system offers innovative solutions, effectively minimising odor, reducing land footprint of digestate solids, and producing high-quality organic fertiliser. This system will be applicable to relevant facilities and treatment plants in Hong Kong.
Led by Dr Dahua SHOU, Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Advanced Textiles Technologies, Assistant Professor in School of Fashion and Textiles, the project titled “Development of multi-functional building clothing using textile waste for energy saving and waste reduction” receives a grant of HK$2.61 million. The project proposes collecting textile waste to develop a sustainable, nature-inspired building envelope for thermal insulation and radiative cooling through a mass production method. The envelope possesses multifunctional properties such as durability, lightness, aesthetic appeal, and flame retardancy, making it compatible with various scenarios, including factory buildings, village houses, substations, container apartments, tents, and more.
Green Tech Fund
The Green Tech Fund (GTF ) was established in 2020 to provide better and more focused funding support to research and development projects which can help Hong Kong decarbonise and enhance environmental protection. The assessment committee is chaired by the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Environment) and comprises members from academia, industry, green groups, and the Government.
