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(Hong Kong, 09 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 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 an opening speech: “New energy technology is one of the main innovation fields in the new era, and it is also one of the strategic emerging industries proposed by the national 14th Five-Year Plan. Last year, the HKSAR Government, in the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint, published in December, recommended focusing on the development of advanced manufacturing and new energy technology industries [which] can help address 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.
Mr Allan Lai, General Manager of APAS, said at the event: “The MOU with REFIRE is a key 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 for the world. It is now preparing to enable commercial fuel cell vehicles to operate on Hong Kong’s roads, and for stationary power such as hydrogen-powered EV chargers to also be deployed.”
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.
Hong Kong Automotive Platforms and Application Systems (APAS) R&D Centre was established in 2006 by the Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSAR Government under the auspices of 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:
Tel.: +86 21 6025 7133
Email: media@refire.com
Website: www.refire.com
Presskit: www.refire.com/en/presskit