Hong Kong gas firm and government team up to produce hydrogen for heavy transport fuel
- Pilot scheme by Towngas and government extracts hydrogen from coal gas to power vehicles such as double-decker buses and ships
- Towngas says extensive underground pipeline network ideal for transport of hydrogen around city
Towngas said on Monday it had launched a trial hydrogen extraction programme from its coal gas to tap into a government-led project to be launched this year to use the element as a greener energy source.
The city’s sole gas supplier said a feasibility study on hydrogen extraction from the existing gas supply carried out in March could hit a 99.99 per cent purity level.
The company added that its 3,700km (2,300-mile) underground pipeline network could supply “safe and efficient” hydrogen energy to customers and would avoid potential risks associated with road traffic and save transport costs.
Pure hydrogen gas could be used to fuel heavy vehicles that might not be covered by present electric vehicle technology, such as double-decker buses, garbage trucks and ships.