Hong Kong News
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Friday, Mar 31, 2023
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(Budget 2023-24) Green city projects to launch with more new energy public transportation
The Hong Kong government will maintain funding for the city’s development of new energy and introduce about 700 electric buses and 3,000 electric taxis by the end of 2027, said the city’s Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po in his Budget speech on Wednesday.
A total of 22 projects from local universities, designated public research institutes, and private enterprises will continue to enjoy access to HK$400 million in funding for Green Tech, Chan said.
At the same time, HK$200 million will be earmarked under the government’s New Energy Transport Fund for 700 Hong Kong to begin trials of hydrogen fuel cell electric double-deck buses and heavy vehicles. Meanwhile, HK$350 million will be allocated for four in-harbor ferry operators to construct and test electric ferries and the related charging facilities.
Moreover, Chan added, the government will put in place a loan scheme with a 100 percent guarantee, estimated to involve HK$6.4 million, for the taxi trade as an incentive for taxi owners to replace their existing taxis with battery electric taxis.
For the city’s waste collection, funding of HK$62 million will be put in to develop more collection points across Hong Kong, Chan added.
The government also announced it will enhance facilities in country parks and explore ideas such as providing treetop adventures, repairing wartime relics, and turning them into open museums in the next couple of years.
At the same time, HK$200 million will be earmarked under the government’s New Energy Transport Fund for 700 Hong Kong to begin trials of hydrogen fuel cell electric double-deck buses and heavy vehicles. Meanwhile, HK$350 million will be allocated for four in-harbor ferry operators to construct and test electric ferries and the related charging facilities.
Moreover, Chan added, the government will put in place a loan scheme with a 100 percent guarantee, estimated to involve HK$6.4 million, for the taxi trade as an incentive for taxi owners to replace their existing taxis with battery electric taxis.
For the city’s waste collection, funding of HK$62 million will be put in to develop more collection points across Hong Kong, Chan added.
The government also announced it will enhance facilities in country parks and explore ideas such as providing treetop adventures, repairing wartime relics, and turning them into open museums in the next couple of years.
