Green Tech Fund Approves Six New Projects, Allocating $24 Million for R&D Initiatives

Green Tech Fund approves six projects in fifth round of applications

The Secretariat of the Green Tech Fund (GTF) announced today (December 24) that a total of six projects has been approved in the fifth round of applications, involving a grant of around $24 million. Together with the first four rounds of applications, the GTF has so far approved 39 projects, involving a total grant of around $171 million.

129 applications were received in the fifth round of applications from December 2024 to March 2025. The six research and development (R&D) projects approved in this round of applications cover promoting hydrogen energy technology, turning waste into resources and developing coating technology for non-plastic products. They are:

• Hydrogen energy technology: Development of low-cost proton exchange membrane water electrolysers for producing green hydrogen; development of highly efficient and durable anion exchange membrane water electrolysers to reduce the production cost of green hydrogen; utilisation of active-flow membraneless electrolyser for direct seawater electrolysis for producing green hydrogen;

• Turning waste into resources: Development of an innovative sludge treatment system and utilising the waste generated in the treatment process, for the purpose of enhancingsludge treatment efficiency in sewage treatment works; utilisation of acoustic metamaterials made from recycled plastics in soundproofing and noise mitigation systems for data centres; and

• Non-plastic products: Development of innovative waterborne coating to enhance the barrier properties of the existing plant-based non-plastic tableware to water, heat and oil.

The six approved R&D projects are listed in the Annex. Relevant details are published on the GTF webpage (www.gtf.gov.hk/en/project_information/approved_projects.html). These projects will help promote R&D as well as the application of green technologies in different areas, thereby expediting low-carbon transformation and helping Hong Kong strive towards carbon neutrality.

The GTF Secretariat announced on December 1 that the GTF would be open for the sixth round of applications from December 1, 2025, to February 13, 2026. R&D projects that fall into four areas, namely net-zero electricity generation, energy saving and green buildings, green transport, and waste reduction, will be accorded priority. The GTF welcomes applications from local public research institutions and R&D centres, as well as local private companies to develop low-carbon and green technologies that cater for the needs of Hong Kong's environment and market. The GTF Secretariat will hold a webinar on January 15, 2026, to introduce the application procedures and priority themes of the GTF. Details about applying for the GTF are available on the GTF website (www.gtf.gov.hk).

Photo source: gtf.gov.hk

DSD deeply saddened by passing of contractor staff member

The Director of Drainage Services, Mr Ringo Mok, was deeply saddened by the passing of a staff member of its contractor in an accident that occurred at a construction site for upgrading works of existing sewerage system at Yen Chow Street in Sham Shui Po yesterday (May 27). He expressed his deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and requested the contractor to provide them with appropriate assistance.

At about 8.30am yesterday, the worker was injured during a lifting operation at the construction site. He was sent to Princess Margaret Hospital for treatment and was certified dead at about 11.30pm.

The Drainage Services Department (DSD) has requested the contractor to suspend the related works and conduct a safety check. The contractor was also instructed to carry out a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident. The DSD will also render full assistance to relevant departments in their investigations.

Source: AI-found images