15th batch of applications approved under Pilot Green Transport Fund
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     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (February 24) announced its approval of the 15th batch of applications for the trial of green transport technologies under the Pilot Green Transport Fund.

     The newly approved applications are for the trial of two hybrid light goods vehicles, involving a total subsidy of about $0.5 million. The two applications were from:
 
Ocean Transportation Company     
R & B Express Company

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

     The latest approval brings the total number of trials being conducted under the Fund to 87 for testing six electric taxis, three electric light buses, 11 electric buses, 47 electric goods vehicles, 51 hybrid goods vehicles, 12 hybrid light buses, one solar air-conditioning system, four electric inverter air-conditioning systems for buses, and the adoption of a diesel-electric propulsion system and a seawater scrubber in a ferry, amounting to a total subsidy of about $88 million.

     At present, three electric taxis, nine electric buses, 38 electric van-type light goods vehicles, five hybrid public light buses, 32 hybrid goods vehicles and one solar air-conditioning system subsidised by the Fund have started the trial by transport operators. Among them, one electric taxi, two electric buses, 15 electric van-type light goods vehicles, one hybrid public light bus and 24 hybrid goods vehicles have completed their two-year trial. Interim and final reports of the trials have already been uploaded to the Fund's website for public information.

     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 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/Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Issued at HKT 16:00

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