(Hong Kong, 16 May 2023) Hong Kong Automotive Platforms and Application Systems (APAS) R&D Centre together with Shanghai REFIRE Technologies Ltd (REFIRE), the world’s leading deployer of commercial hydrogen fuel cell technologies signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) outlining how the two parties will promote and foster the use of zero emission hydrogen technologies within mobility and stationary power sectors across the city.
Hosted by APAS, this year’s APAS Automotive Technology Summit was captioned New Energy and the Hydrogen Chapter for its focus on a vision shared with the HKSAR Government to bring hydrogen into the city’s energy mix
Ms Lillian Cheong, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, said in opening remarks: “New energy technology is one of the leading innovative fields in the new era, and it is also one of the strategic emerging industries proposed in the National 14th Five-Year Plan. The HKSAR Government delivered the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint in December last year, recommending a focus on the development of advanced manufacturing and new energy technology industries which can help tackle climate change and achieve carbon neutral strategies and goals, and promote the development of green industries.”
Earlier this year, revealing the first results of a two-year technical partnership, APAS and REFIRE jointly unveiled a co-developed, off-grid 32kW hydrogen-powered EV (Electric Vehicle) charging module.
In addition to continuing to co-develop and deploy hydrogen-electric applications for daily life, now the two parties plan to work together to accelerate adoption of hydrogen-electric energy and power solutions through awareness, education, and promotional programmes.
In a ceremony with guests from the HKSAR Government, industry, and media, Dr Lawrence Cheung, Chief Executive Officer, APAS, and Mr Ezra Emerson, Director of Marketing, REFIRE, signed an MOU to deepen cooperation between the two parties in the deployment of hydrogen energy technology for mobility and stationary power.
Dr CHEUNG said at the event: “The MOU with REFIRE is a valuable step towards accelerating hydrogen understanding and usage in Hong Kong. We hope to inform relevant stakeholders about the benefits, use cases, and viability of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier. Hong Kong is a perfect city to showcase hydrogen technology to the world. It is now preparing for the operation of commercial fuel cell vehicles on Hong Kong’s roads and working towards the deployment of stationary power, such as hydrogen-powered EV chargers, enhancing the sustainability of our future transportation system.”
Hydrogen can be used to directly fuel FCEVs (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles) which generate electricity from bottled hydrogen, on the move. It can also be used to generate electricity in stand-alone EV chargers which allow for decentralized charging infrastructure and thus, potentially better land usage.
Mr Ezra Emerson said at the event: “We are very pleased to be supporting APAS to promote clean hydrogen technologies for mobility and power in Hong Kong. Today we are encouraged by the HKSAR Government’s planned initiatives to facilitate the use of hydrogen in the city as it offers distinct benefits both in the alleviation of roadside pollution and in the reduction of bottlenecks at grid-connected electrical charging locations.”
The MOU further details how, together with government and industry stakeholders, APAS and REFIRE plan to support green innovation and industry in Hong Kong through new product demonstrations, public forums, development of hydrogen technology best practices, and knowledge exchange. REFIRE is market leader by commercial vehicle deployment in mainland.
APAS was established in 2006 by the Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSAR Government and is hosted by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC).
About REFIRE
Headquartered in Shanghai with a footprint spanning several global markets, REFIRE is the world’s leading deployer of commercial hydrogen fuel cell technologies. The company specialises in the design, testing, prototyping, application engineering, and production of electrolyser products and integrated fuel cell systems for buses, trucks, specialised vehicles, power machines, stationary power and decentralised grid power products.
As of 2023 Q1, REFIRE fuel cell technologies and products are powering over 4,200 fuel cell vehicles (FCEV) in daily use in 20+ cities around the globe. Combined vehicle mileage exceeds 145 million kilometres.
Media Inquiries:
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