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The $300 million Pilot Green Transport Fund, which aims to encourage the transport sector to test out green and innovative transport technologies for better air quality, will start inviting applications tomorrow (March 30).
"Launched by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD), the Fund welcomes applications from local transport operators meeting the requirements of the Fund," an EPD spokesman said.
He said that as part of the EPD's efforts to improve roadside air quality, the Fund supported technologies that outperform their conventional counterparts by emitting less air pollutants or greenhouse gases, or offer better fuel economy.
"Valid applications could include a new vehicle type, equipment or machinery related to transport activities, or a new retrofit system. Moreover, they should not already be in common use by the relevant local transport trade in its day-to-day operation," the spokesman noted.
The subsidy will cover part of the product's cost, including installation if applicable. If the product is a vehicle, for example, the subsidy will cover the price difference between a conventional vehicle and the alternative-fueled vehicle, or 50% of the latter's cost, whichever is higher. A transport operator may apply for the Fund to try out different green products subject to a maximum of $9 million subsidy for each application and $12 million in total.
A Steering Committee comprising members drawn from academic institutions and transport trades as well as representatives from relevant Government departments has been formed to assess and advise on applications.
For more details about the Fund, please visit the EPD website at www.epd.gov.hk or call the enquiry hotline 2824 0022 from tomorrow.
Motor vehicles are the main source of our roadside air pollution and they also contribute about 18% of local greenhouse gas emissions. Promoting green transport will not only improve air quality but also reduce carbon emissions, which will help to avert global climate change. Furthermore, it will open up business opportunities for green transport technologies.
Ends/Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Issued at HKT 15:01
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