12th batch of applications approved under Pilot Green Transport Fund (with photo)
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     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (March 12) announced the approval of the 12th batch of applications for the trial of green transport technologies under the Pilot Green Transport Fund.

     The five newly approved applications include the trial of three electric van-type light goods vehicles, one electric light bus and one hybrid medium goods vehicle involving a total subsidy of about $2 million. The applications were from:

New Method Cleaning Services Limited
Tak Cheong Loong Company Limited
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Tong Kee Engineering Limited
YKK Hong Kong Limited

     The Steering Committee of the Fund agreed to support the above applications at its meeting this February.

     The latest approval brings the total number of trials being conducted under the Fund to 86 for testing 21 electric taxis, three electric light buses, 11 electric buses, 41 electric goods vehicles, 49 hybrid goods vehicles, 12 hybrid light buses, one set of solar air-conditioning system, the replacement of four bus engines with more advanced models and the adoption of a diesel-electric propulsion system and a seawater scrubber in a ferry, amounting to a total subsidy of about $100 million.

     At present, four hybrid public light buses, three electric taxis, six electric buses, 32 electric goods vehicles and 28 hybrid goods vehicles and one solar air-conditioning system subsidised by the Fund are being tested by transport operators. Four electric van-type light goods vehicles and 14 hybrid vehicles have completed their two-year trial. Interim and final reports of trials have already been uploaded to the Fund's website.

     The Government set up the $300 million Fund in March 2011 to encourage the public transport sector to test green transport technologies. The Fund is open for applications from public transport operators, charitable and non-profit organisations providing services to clients, and goods vehicle owners. The technologies for trial include new vehicle types and equipment and machinery related to transport activities. Transport operators may apply to the Fund to try out different green products subject to a maximum subsidy of $9 million for each application and $12 million in total.

     For more information on the Fund and the approved applications, please visit the EPD website (www.epd.gov.hk) or call the enquiry hotline on 2824 0022.

Ends/Thursday, March 12, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:00

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