Researchers are proposing a hydrogen energy corridor be established between Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Shantou.

The director of Chinese University's Centre for Social and Political Development Studies, Victor Zheng, says Shantou provides cheap hydrogen energy that Hong Kong can use as well as export, largely reducing the costs of fuel.

He said building the Northern Metropolis with its focus on big data will require much energy down the road.

"We think the future industry for Hong Kong is AI and big data so... energy is the most critical element for the successful development of the Northern Metropolis."

Zheng said a proposal has been sent to the SAR chief executive and related bureaus that comes as the government drafts Hong Kong's first five-year plan.

The suggestion came in a policy advocacy forum on Tuesday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.

The forum is part of the International Hydrogen Development Symposium starting from Monday.

Zheng said Hong Kong can help supply hydrogen energy to the region and to the world and raise capital for major energy projects.

The most important thing right now, he added, is gathering policy support, hopefully from the three regional governments.

"The most difficult issue is that at this moment, not only the Hong Kong government but also the Shenzhen, Shantou government still haven't [formulated] such kind of policies... if we don't have government [backing] we can't go further."



Edited by Thomas McAlinden