The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) started inviting applications for funding support under the new round of the Cleaner Production Partnership Programme today (May 14) and expected to receive applications until June 30, 2027. The Programme will help expedite green transformation and the upgrade of traditional industries to achieve energy saving, emission reduction as well as reduction in consumption and carbon emissions, thereby improving the quality of the environment in the region and dovetailing with the high-quality national development.

     The new round of the Programme will focus on new cleaner production technologies by providing funding support to Hong Kong-owned factories to carry out New Cleaner Production Technology Projects (NCPTP). In addition to continuing to encourage the implementation of cleaner production to reduce pollutant emissions, factories will also be encouraged to try out new technologies to achieve green transformation.

     An EPD spokesperson said, "We will provide in particular a higher funding ceiling as an incentive for applications adopting new cleaner production technologies with local research and development participation. Hong Kong-owned factories are encouraged to adopt new cleaner production technologies developed by Hong Kong or jointly by Hong Kong and Guangdong organisations to provide a demonstration platform for practical application of these technologies, which would be conducive to these technologies in entering the Mainland market. The Government funding support for each NCPTP will be capped at $650,000. If the project for application involves the adoption of technologies developed by Hong Kong or jointly by Hong Kong and Guangdong organisations, the Government funding ceiling for the project will be increased to $750,000. The Government will fund 50 per cent of the project cost, subject to the funding ceilings."

     Hong Kong-owned factories interested in joining the Programme may visit the website (www.cleanerproduction.hk/en) for details and download application forms. Enquiries can also be made by calling the implementation agent of the Programme, the Hong Kong Productivity Council, at 2788 5588. 

     In 2008, the EPD launched the Programme in collaboration with the then Economic and Information Commission of Guangdong Province (now the Department of Industry and Information Technology of Guangdong Province). Four rounds of the Programme have been launched so far with over $600 million devoted. The Programme has achieved remarkable results in improving the environmental quality in the region.

     In light of the successful experience of the Programme, to further deepen the co-operation between Hong Kong and Guangdong in jointly promoting comprehensive green transformation, the Chief Executive proposed in the 2024 Policy Address to inject $100 million to launch a new round of the Programme to expedite green transformation, renovation and the upgrading of Hong Kong-owned factories in Hong Kong and Guangdong Province, bringing Hong Kong closer to its carbon-neutrality targets.

Ends/Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Issued at HKT 14:00

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