41st batch of applications approved for trials of green transport technologies under New Energy Transport Fund
The Environment and Ecology Bureau today (August 2) announced its approval of the 41st batch of applications for the trials of green transport technologies under the New Energy Transport Fund.
The Steering Committee of the Fund has adopted a new merit-based approach to assess applications for funding with a view to making the best use of the Fund and taking into account factors including the latest technology developments. The five approved applications in this batch (see Annex) are for the trials of two electric light goods vehicles (non-van type) and four electric medium goods vehicles, involving a total subsidy of $4.84 million.
The latest approval brings the total number of trials pursued or being pursued under the Fund to 307, with a total subsidy of about $261 million. As at end-July 2024, a total of 193 approved trials under the Fund have been completed. Trial reports have been uploaded to the Fund’s website.
The trial scheme on e-taxi charging facilities, the subsidy strategies for e-taxis and electric franchised buses, the Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong and the subsidy scheme for trials of hydrogen fuel-cell heavy vehicles were also discussed by the Steering Committee. Members have provided valuable comments. The Secretariat of the Fund as well as other relevant government bureaux and departments will follow up on the suggestions with a view to launching the relevant schemes as early as possible.
The Government put in place the Fundin March 2011 to subsidise the testing, and encourage the wider use, of green transport technologies for a variety of commercial transport tools including goods vehicles (including special-purpose vehicles), taxis, light buses, buses, vessels, motorcycles, non-road vehicles (applicable to vehicle models approved by the Transport Department or the Airport Authority Hong Kong), or the aforesaid transport tools of charitable/non-profit making organisations providing services to their clients. The technologies to be subsidised include new energy vehicles or vessels, conversion of in-use conventional vehicles or vessels to new energy vehicles or vessels, and after-treatment emission reduction devices or fuel-saving devices applicable to vehicles and vessels. Transport operators and charitable/non-profit making organisations may apply for trying out different green technology products subject to a maximum subsidy of $10 million for each application and a total of $12 million for each applicant.
For more information on the Fund and the approved applications, please visit the website of the Fund (www.eeb.gov.hk/en/new-energy-transport-fund.html) or call the enquiry hotline on 2824 0022.
Source: AI-generated images
LD reminds employers and employees to take heat stroke preventive measures in times of Heat Stress at Work Warning
As the Heat Stress at Work Warning is now in effect, the Labour Department (LD) reminds employers and employees to take appropriate measures during the effective period of the warning to prevent heat stroke when working in hot weather or hot environments.
Employees who work outdoors or in non-air-conditioned indoor environments face high levels of heat stress and are at a relatively higher risk of heat stroke. Employers should assess the risk factors of heat stress for employees at work and, based on the identified risk factors, take necessary preventive and control measures, including rescheduling work periods, setting up shading covers, providing ventilation and heat dissipation equipment, and reminding employees to replenish water and rest in a timely manner.
The Heat Stress at Work Warning is formulated by the LD based on the Hong Kong Heat Index. There are three levels of the warning: Amber, Red and Black, which help employers and employees better understand the level of heat stress while working outdoors or indoors without air-conditioning systems.
A spokesman for the LD said that when the department issues the Heat Stress at Work Warning, employers must refer to the criteria and recommendations provided in the “Guidance Notes on Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work” to conduct risk assessments, according to the workloads and other relevant heat stress risk factors, for employees who work outdoors or in non-air-conditioned indoor workplaces. Appropriate rest breaks should be arranged every hour, as far as reasonably practicable, based on various levels of the Heat Stress at Work Warning, to reduce employees’ risk of heat stroke.
Employees must also follow instructions to rest on time. Whenever there are any symptoms of heat-related illnesses, such as headache, dizziness, thirst, and nausea, they should rest in a cool and shady place, drink water, and inform employers/supervisors to take appropriate action immediately.
The LD issued the “Guidance Notes on Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work”, detailing the various risk factors that should be considered when conducting heat stress risk assessments and recommending corresponding control measures for identified risk factors for employers’ and employees’ reference. For the Heat Stress at Work Warning and related guidelines, please refer to the department’s thematic webpage: www.labour.gov.hk/eng/news/prevention_of_heat_stroke_at_work.htm.
Source: AI-generated images
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