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Exploring Alternative Fuel Vehicles in Hong Kong first seminar: Liquefied Natural Gas

27 Feb 2014

MSc. in Environmental Management
The University of Hong Kong

The Environmental Management
Association of Hong Kong

“While we must attack roadside pollution with vigour because this presents the greatest daily health risk to the people of Hong Kong, we also want to put in place an integrated people-centred policy in the longer-term to achieve cleaner, more efficient public transport through making public transport a preferred choice mode, managing road use and meeting diverse needs of the travelling public.”
( Environment Bureau, HKSAR, ”A Clean Air Plan for Hong Kong”, March 2013)

What?
The Environmental Management Association of Hong Kong (EMAHK) and the MSc. in Environmental Management Programme of the University of Hong Kong have jointly organized this seminar, which will bring together academics, operators and Zhuhai Government officials to share their views and experience on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as an alternative fuel to relieve the roadside air pollution in our city.

This event embarks discussion and view sharing among experts and users of alternative fuel vehicles. We sincerely invite you to explore the feasibility of LNG fuel vehicles in Hong Kong.

Speakers
- Professor Bill BARRON, Professor, Institute for the Environment, Hong Kong University of Science & Technology
- Mr. Nick LEACH, Director, Vehicle Sales Support Asia, Sales & Service Management, Scania (Hong Kong) Limited
- Professor NING Zhi, Assistant Professor, School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong
- Professor XU Yuan, Assistant Professor, Department of Geography and Resource Management, the Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Ms. Wang Ling, Deputy Director, Zhuhai Environmental Protection Bureau, PRC
- Mr. Huang Wenzhong, Director, Zhuhai Transportation Bureau, PRC

Panelists
- Mr. Freeman CHEUNG, Senior Vice President, Environment, Greater China, AECOM
- Dr. HUNG Wing-Tat, Associate Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Mr. Simon NG, Head of Transport and Sustainability Research, Civic Exchange
- Dr. William YU, Member, Energy Advisory Committee, Environment Bureau, HKSAR; CEO, World Green Organization
- Mr. ZHANG Rong Wang, President, CNOOC Gas and Power Ltd. Guangdong Trading & Marketing Branch Company

Why?
Roadside emission from vehicles is a major cause of air pollution in Hong Kong. Nitrogen oxides and respiratory particulate matter, the culprits of respiratory and cardio-vascular diseases, including cancers, are showing record high records in recent years. The launch of the new Air Quality Objectives (AQOs) and the citizens' escalating awareness of the importance of air quality on health pose immense challenge to the Government to improve the city’s air quality. .

The Government’s latest plan includes phasing out the pre-Euro IV diesel commercial trucks and subsidizing a one-time replacement of catalytic converters of LPG-powered taxis and public light buses, as well as other transport management measures and better urban planning. Presently, the new AQOs are still observed 2-3 times over the WHO standard limits. Can these measures effectively cure the long-standing problem?

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), a cryogenic fuel with methane as its major component, is gaining recognition worldwide as an alternative fuel to replace petrol or diesel. Advantages of LNG include safety due to its low storage pressure, high efficiency enabling long-distance travel and cleaner emission. However, the large requirement for land allocating to storage facilities and filling stations makes it considered not viable for the Hong Kong according to the Government's study. Are there ways to get around it?

Across the border, Shenzhen and Zhuhai have already kicked off wider adoption of LNG commercial vehicles. With the anticipated increase of traffic emissions once the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge opens in 2016, is our City ready to accept entry of these cross-border vehicles? Could we tap on the experience of our neighbours to overcome the current barriers of adopting LNG as an alternative cleaner fuel in Hong Kong?

When and Where?
Date: March 1, 2014 (Saturday)
Time: 2 to 6pm (Registration starts at 1:30pm)
Venue: Rayson Huang Theatre, the University of Hong Kong (Click here for map)

RSVP to Teresa Leung by Friday, February 28 [teresa.leung@emahk.org / (852) 9466 4862]
Interviews and photo/video opportunities can be arranged upon early notice before the event.

For programme details, please visit: www.emahk.org
Event poster : http://www.scifac.hku.hk/%20file/news/2272/20140227_Alternative_Fuel_Poster_eng.pdf

About EMAHK
The Environmental Management Association of Hong Kong (EMAHK) is established since 2010. We aim to improve the quality of Hong Kong’s and its vicinity’s environment through stressing the importance of environmental management. Comprising mainly members holding MSc. Environmental Management (MSc ENVM) from The University of Hong Kong (HKU) or higher degrees from related fields in different institutions, we bring in both academic and professional views on what is needed to manage the many challenges to our environment in the face of continuous economic development. Our input covers issues from environmental policy to specific issues and projects. (www.emahk.org)

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