Second batch of applications approved under Pilot Green Transport Fund
Hong Kong (HKSAR) - The Environmental Protection Department today (February 9) announced the approval of the second batch of applications for funding support on the trial of green and innovative transport technologies under the Pilot Green Transport Fund.
The 11 newly approved applications cover the trial of 15 hybrid electric light goods vehicles, nine hybrid electric medium goods vehicles and one electric van-type light goods vehicle, involving a total subsidy of almost $12 million. These vehicles will be used for courier services and the transportation of goods and materials. The applications were from:
A.S.
Watson Group (HK) Limited
Hong Kong Automobile Association
Kerry Distribution (HK) Limited
Kwai Bon Transportation Limited
MTR Corporation Limited
On Mei Tak Environmental Technology Limited
S.F. Express (Hong Kong) Limited
Shun Hing Logistics Company Limited
Swire Beverages Limited
UPS Parcel Delivery Service Limited
Hybrid electric vehicles are proven to have less exhaust emissions and better fuel economy than conventional vehicles, whereas electric vehicles do not produce any exhaust emissions. However, they have not yet been widely used as goods vehicles locally.
The trials can test the performance of both hybrid and electric goods vehicles under different operational environments. The findings of information obtained from the trials will be disclosed for the reference of the trades and members of the public.
The Steering Committee of the Fund, after deliberation at its meeting in January, gave support to the above applications.
Since the Fund opened for applications in March last year, 24 applications have been approved, amounting to a total subsidy of about $61 million.
The first batch of 13 applications was approved in October last year.
The Government set up the $300 million Fund to encourage the public transport sector to test out green and low-carbon transport technologies. The Fund is open for application by public transport operators including ferry, taxi and public light bus service operators; charitable and non-profit-making organisations providing services to their clients; franchised bus and non-franchised public bus service operators; and goods vehicle owners. The technologies for trial can be new vehicle types, equipment or machinery related to transport activities, or new retrofit systems resulting in substantially better emissions performance compared with existing models.
A transport operator may apply to the Fund to try out different green products subject to a maximum subsidy of $9 million for each application and $12 million in total.
Motor vehicles are the main source of our roadside air pollution and they also contribute about 18 per cent of local greenhouse gas emissions. Promoting green transport will not only improve air quality but will also reduce carbon emissions, which helps avert global climate change. Furthermore, it opens up business opportunities for green transport technologies.
For more information on the Fund and the approved applications, please visit the EPD website (www.epd.gov.hk) or call the enquiry hotline on 2824 0022.
Source: HKSAR Government
Published on: 2012-02-09
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