Environment Secretary Tse Chin-wan on Wednesday said it would be difficult for Hong Kong to pursue large-scale production and usage of hydrogen, but the city could act as the mainland's showcase to the international community.

On an RTHK programme, the minister said limited space in Hong Kong made it difficult for the mass production of hydrogen.

But Tse said the SAR could leverage its unique advantages of enjoying the strong support of the motherland.

"Hong Kong can act as a window, a base for demonstration, to promote hydrogen products overseas. The international community can also come to Hong Kong for financing when it needs to," he said.

"Hydrogen development is not only for us and helping us to pursue carbon neutrality, but it is also an opportunity for business."

The government earlier announced its strategy on hydrogen development, aimed at addressing climate change and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, with 14 trial projects in the pipeline.

Tse said the administration is now looking into which industries would be suitable and cost-effective to use hydrogen, which is relatively pricey, and will formulate standards and guidelines.