January-February . 2025 | @ green • EVENT 15

Industry leaders at Eco Expo Asia 2024 discuss innovative pathways to hydrogen production

BY ADELINE ANTHONY ALPHONSO

The expo was held at AsiaWorld- Expo , Hong Kong , from Oct 30-Nov 2 , with the theme “ Fostering Green Innovations for Carbon Neutrality ”. Around 190 officials from nearly 40 delegations representing a variety of localities and provinces in Mainland China , ASEAN nations , and Belt and Road countries participated in last year ’ s event .

From advancements in renewable energy to breakthroughs in waste management and circular economy practices , the 19th Eco Expo Asia highlighted Asia ’ s growing commitment to sustainability .

Among the key discussions was the 5th Hydrogen Economy Forumdiscussing the role of hydrogen in the global energy transition , where experts examined its potential as a low-carbon fuel .

INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVES

A key highlight of the forum was the focus on green hydrogen and synthetic methanol - two promising solutions for a cleaner , low-carbon future . With the urgency of decarbonisation and the need for sustainable fuel alternatives , the discussions at the forum shed light on the opportunities and challenges in scaling up these energy sources .

Veolia Asia Senior Innovation Manager Cedric Mebarki explored the potential of green hydrogen and synthetic methanol in his talk , “ Green Hydrogen and Synthetic Methanol : Paving the way for a sustainable energy future ”.

He emphasised that green hydrogen , produced through electrolysis using renewable energy , held immense potential for reducing reliance on fossil fuels .

Likewise , synthetic methanol , derived from captured carbon dioxide and hydrogen , offers a viable pathway to cleaner industrial and transport fuels .

Mebarki also underscored the importance of a robust regulatory

Cedric Mebarki

framework , financial incentives and technological advancements to drive adoption , stating : “ The key challenge is ensuring cost efficiency and accessibility .

“ Collaboration between governments and industries is essential in making these fuels a mainstream energy source .”

Meanwhile , ARUP Chemical Engineer Patrick Cooper ’ s presentation , “ How will Hong Kong source its Low-Carbon Hydrogen ?” delved into the regional challenges and strategies for hydrogen procurement .

As a densely populated metropolis with limited natural resources ,

AS part of the Netherlands Pavillion at the 19th Eco Expo Asia 2024 in AsiaWorld-Expo , Hong Kong , BeePro B . V . ( BeePro ), a Dutch company specialising in sustainable dust suppression solutions , presented its product , BeeFoam .

The biodegradable dust suppressant is designed to reduce dust emissions by up to 95 per cent during industrial processes such as mining , construction waste management , and RDF treatment .

According to Dutch Cluster of Waste Resources Coordinator and Liaison Officer Louis Huang , BeeFoam is a game-changer in dust control .

He explained : “ It doesn ’ t alter the material ’ s properties or interfere with filtration or separation processes . Plus , it significantly reduces water usage by 90 per cent .

“ The solution remains effective for up to 12 days after application , making it a cost-

Hong Kong faces unique energy challenges .

The government has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 , and hydrogen is increasingly seen as a viable option for decarbonising various sectors , including power generation , transportation , and industry .

However , sourcing low-carbon hydrogen - whether green or blue - requires overcoming logistical , economic , and infrastructural barriers .

Cooper explained : “ Hong Kong ’ s path to hydrogen adoption depends on securing reliable , cost-effective supply chains while ensuring the

Louis Huang

Patrick Cooper

effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods .”

With over 21 countries already using BeePro ’ s technology , China has become the company ’ s first stop in Asia .

“ We currently manage more than 100,000 tonnes of waste daily in China alone ,” Louis noted .

He also highlighted the necessary infrastructure is in place .”

He also highlighted the importance of regional collaboration , noting that partnerships with neighbouring markets could help scale up hydrogen production and distribution .

PATH FORWARD

As countries transition toward net-zero emissions , green hydrogen and synthetic methanol could revolutionise industries , offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fuels .

While both speakers highlighted the critical need for infrastructure investment , technological innovation , and policy support , the 19th Eco Expo Asia 2024 reaffirmed that while challenges remain , momentum for green hydrogen and synthetic methanol is growing .

With the right policies , infrastructure , and partnerships , hydrogen could play a crucial role in shaping a cleaner , more sustainable future for the city .

importance of demonstrating the product ’ s effectiveness , as many industries are unaware of its benefits .

Nevertheless , BeePro ’ s participation at Eco Expo Asia 2024 reflects the growing demand for sustainable innovations in industrial waste management , aligning with the event ’ s theme of “ Fostering Green Innovations for Carbon Neutrality ”. – @ green