Hong Kong and Sinopec Sign MOU to Advance Hydrogen Energy Development and Applications

Memorandum of Understanding on the Development and Application of Hydrogen Energy in Hong Kong signed today

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) and China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec Corp) signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Development and Application of Hydrogen Energy in Hong Kong today (November 25). The MOU strengthens collaboration between both parties in promoting the development, demonstration of application, as well as capacity building of the hydrogen energy industry.

Witnessed by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, Vice President of Sinopec Corp Mr Li Yuxing, and Legislative Council Member Mr Chan Hak-kan, the MOU was signed by the Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui, and the Director and General Manager of Sinopec (Hong Kong) Limited, Mr Wu Qinggao. ​The Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Environment), Miss Janice Tse, also attended the signing ceremony.

The scope of the MOU covers technical exchanges and experience sharing in the hydrogen energy industry. Sinopec Corp will build a green hydrogen production facility for demonstration purposes at a restored landfill of the EPD. The hydrogen produced by the facility will serve the local market with a view to supporting wider applications of hydrogen and facilitating the development of hydrogen energy in Hong Kong. Sinopec Corp will also assist the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in promoting publicity and education about hydrogen energy, enabling the public to better understand global development trends in the safe use of hydrogen energy. ​

Mr Tse said that the signing of the MOU will position Hong Kong as a demonstration base for the national development of hydrogen energy by facilitating both sides in showcasing the demonstration system and achievements of the national hydrogen energy industry while enhancing public awareness of green hydrogen technology.

"Hong Kong will continue to leverage its distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world to facilitate the development of co-operation achievements in the hydrogen industry in the Belt and Road region; and capitalise on its important role as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" between the country and the international community, facilitating the expansion of talent, funding, and development opportunities. It is conducive to promoting the export of China's advanced green hydrogen technologies and products to acquire international market recognition and bolstering competitive advantages," Mr Tse said.

Mr Li said that Sinopec Corp will fully leverage its technological advantages across the entire industry chain of green hydrogen production, storage, transportation and refuelling. In collaboration with the HKSAR Government, they aim to make every effort to complete the green hydrogen project swiftly and put it into operation as soon as possible. They will assist in establishing Hong Kong as a demonstration base for green hydrogen technology and advancing hydrogen energy development to a large, industrialised and internationalised scale.

Memorandum of Understanding on the Development and Application of Hydrogen Energy in Hong Kong signed today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Memorandum of Understanding on the Development and Application of Hydrogen Energy in Hong Kong signed today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Memorandum of Understanding on the Development and Application of Hydrogen Energy in Hong Kong signed today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Memorandum of Understanding on the Development and Application of Hydrogen Energy in Hong Kong signed today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Memorandum of Understanding on the Development and Application of Hydrogen Energy in Hong Kong signed today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Licence of employment agency revoked

The Labour Department (LD) today (November 25) reminded operators of employment agencies (EAs) to conduct their business in compliance with the law and the requirements of the Code of Practice for EAs (the Code) at all times.

The LD has revoked the EA licence of Saiko Hong in Sheung Wan. The licence of Saiko Hong was revoked as its licensee and an associate of the licensee were earlier convicted of attempting to overcharge a commission from a foreign domestic helper.

Under sections 53(1)(c)(iv) and 53(1)(e)(i) of the Employment Ordinance (Cap. 57) (EO), the Commissioner for Labour (the Commissioner) may revoke an EA's licence if she is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the licensee or an individual employed by the licensee has contravened any provision of Part XII of the EO or any regulation made under section 62 of the EO.

"The EO stipulates that the Commissioner may refuse to issue or renew a licence, or may revoke a licence, if she is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the licensee or the person intending to be the licensee of an EA, or a related person of or an individual employed by the licensee or the person intending to be the licensee, has contravened any provision of Part XII or any regulation made under section 62 of the EO, such as overcharging job seekers or operating an EA without a licence, or has not complied with the Code issued under section 62A(1) of the EO," a spokesman for the LD said.

Should there be enquiries about matters related to EAs or complaints about suspected violations of EAs, please contact the Employment Agencies Administration of the LD (telephone: 2115 3667; email:ea-ee@labour.gov.hk; address: Unit 906, 9/F, One Mong Kok Road Commercial Centre, 1 Mong Kok Road, Kowloon).