According to Hong Kong media news on May 29, the Business Environment Council (BEC) today released the report “Study on Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel in Hong Kong”, pointing out that renewable diesel (also known as Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO)), as a second-generation biofuel, can be used in place of traditional diesel without engine modification, and carbon emissions can be reduced by up to 90%, which is the key to the transition of decarbonization of transport and heavy industry. However, Hong Kong still faces significant barriers to expanding its use.
The study, which covered global market trends, local business surveys and focus group interviews, found that local businesses have a strong interest in renewable diesel, especially in industries where it is difficult to reduce emissions, but that penetration is constrained by issues such as opaque product information, limited supply channels and a lack of regulatory recognition of its status as legal for road use.
The association suggests that suppliers should enhance product data disclosure and public education to raise public awareness of the compatibility and environmental benefits of renewable diesel. At the same time, the government needs to update local regulations to align the standards with the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) and the latest European Union norms, and promote cross-sectoral collaboration to ensure the legal distribution and use of renewable diesel.
The study also calls for the inclusion of biofuels in Hong Kong’s climate transition policy, with higher blending ratios, third-party verification mechanisms, and greater traceability and transparency.
