By: Jacob Kim
Hong Kong’s efforts to develop a hydrogen economy are hitting roadblocks due to high costs, limited supplies, and inadequate infrastructure. However, H2 Solution, a local start-up, believes the solution lies just across the border in Foshan, a city that has been successfully using hydrogen since 2019. Foshan not only has an established hydrogen infrastructure but also offers hydrogen at a much cheaper rate—about three times less expensive than in Hong Kong. By tapping into Foshan’s resources and integrating with the broader supply chain of the Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong could accelerate its hydrogen ambitions without the need to build everything from scratch. The city is already working on its first hydrogen refueling station, and there are plans for cross-border hydrogen-powered trucks. However, the financial viability of these trucks traveling to Foshan for refueling remains uncertain unless there’s significant demand for goods coming from that region.
Hong Kong’s push to embrace hydrogen as part of its clean energy future is inspiring, but it’s clear that the path forward is going to require some creative solutions. Partnering with Foshan is a smart move—why reinvent the wheel when a city nearby has already figured out much of what Hong Kong is still struggling to develop? By leveraging Foshan’s cheaper hydrogen and infrastructure, Hong Kong can fast-track its hydrogen economy while avoiding some of the growing pains that typically come with building out a new energy system.
However, the idea of cross-border hydrogen trucks needing to refuel in Foshan raises some practical concerns. Will it be cost-effective for these trucks to make the journey just to refuel? Unless the demand for goods between Foshan and Hong Kong is high enough to justify the extra travel time and costs, this solution might fall short. But if the logistics can be worked out and demand grows, this partnership could be a game-changer, not only for Hong Kong but for the region as a whole.
In the bigger picture, Hong Kong’s hydrogen ambitions signal an important shift toward clean energy, and it’s exciting to see cross-border cooperation as part of the solution. As the effects of climate change become more urgent, these kinds of partnerships—where cities and regions work together to share resources and knowledge—could be key in accelerating the global transition to cleaner energy. It’s an optimistic and necessary step toward a greener future.
Source
Energy Outlook 
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