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Exploring Sustainable Fuel Alternatives
With a COP28 agreement to transition away from fossil fuels, accelerating the energy transition has become one of the top agenda items in 2024 for achieving climate goals. For the aviation sector, driving advancement and adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a key focus for transition, and further exploration on the viability of hydrogen and electric planes continues to be undertaken across the world as possible options for cleaning our skies in the future.
Recognising the challenges of uptaking SAF within the Asia Pacific region, we recently joined the Hong Kong Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition (HKSAFC) initiated by the Business Environment Council as a coalition partner. This demonstrates our commitment to promoting Hong Kong as a regional hub for SAF and contributing to the aviation industry's decarbonisation process. Additionally, to facilitate the uptake of SAF at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), AAHK’s two aviation fuel facilities have obtained the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification under ICAO’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
From air emissions to ground emissions - we are proud to be at the forefront of energy transition at HKIA and are delighted to share that we have put words into action through the launch of our HKIA Renewable Diesel Pilot in April 2024. The use of renewable diesel enables a reduction in significant carbon emissions for equipment and machinery when compared to fossil diesel.
As we embark on an exciting journey in 2024, I am pleased to share with you the following updates on our key initiatives:
- Commencement of Renewable Diesel Pilot - AAHK has partnered with Hactl and Shell Hong Kong to launch a renewable diesel pilot. Further details can be found in the ‘Spotlight’ section.
- Participation in Hong Kong Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition - The Hong Kong Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition (HKSAFC) was launched in January, with AAHK as a founding partner. Further details can be found in the ‘What’s happening’ section.
- HKIA Carbon Capacity Building Program - To deepen airport business partners' understanding of carbon emission sources and their direct link to climate change, AAHK organised an event titled ‘Guided Carbon Audit Tour and Climate & Aviation Game’ in March.
- Successful Trial of Pearl Farming - The Pearl Farming Pilot Project and The Continuation of Pearl Farming cum Ecotourism Project funded by Fisheries Enhancement Fund have been successfully completed, resulting in more than 13,000 pearls being harvested.
- Kick-started preparations for the scale-up of Artificial Reef and Shellfish Reef Deployment near HKIA - In 2021, the AAHK deployed 100 Artificial Reef units on the seabed to the west of HKIA’s South Runway and 400 tonnes of limestone along a section north of the Third Runway, with shellfish deployed and seeded amongst the limestone. A 12-month monitoring programme revealed positive ecological benefits from the project. AAHK is preparing to scale up these successful initiatives in North Lantau waters.
As always, we look forward to continuing collaboration with our airport business partners in multiple key areas of environmental sustainability and welcome all ideas and suggestions from the airport community.
Peter Lee
General Manager, Sustainability
Airport Authority Hong Kong
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AAHK takes the lead in initiating Asia's first Airport Renewable Diesel Pilot
Q & A with Kristy Tan, Senior Manager, Climate Resilience
Q: What is renewable diesel?
A: Renewable diesel (RD), also known as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, is recognised as a suitable substitute for traditional diesel. RD is chemically similar to conventional diesel and can be used as a "drop-in fuel" without any modifications to diesel engines and infrastructure. It has already been widely adopted in Europe and the United States, including major aviation hubs such as Heathrow Airport and Los Angeles International Airport.
Q: What are the environmental benefits of using renewable diesel?
A: RD is produced from renewable resources such as waste animal fats, vegetable oils, and used cooking oil, which could offer an 87%1 reduction in carbon emissions compared to conventional diesel. RD is also a cleaner fuel as it emits fewer greenhouse gases and produces lower levels of pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, compared to conventional diesel. These environmental benefits contribute to improved air quality and lower carbon emissions.
Q: Can you share the details of the Renewable Diesel Pilot?
A: AAHK and 30 of our aviation-related business partners have set a long-term carbon target to achieve HKIA Net Zero Carbon by 2050, with a midpoint target of 55% absolute emissions reduction by 2035 from a 2018 baseline. One of the initiatives to reduce direct emissions from diesel-powered generators, vehicles and equipment is to promote the use of RD in machinery that is hard to electrify in the near term.
To achieve the target, we have collaborated with our airport business partners, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) and Shell Hong Kong Limited to commence a Renewable Diesel Pilot in early April, which will run for 12 months. The aim of this pilot is to demonstrate the feasibility of using RD at the airport.
During the pilot, 100% RD will be used on the machinery identified by AAHK and Hactl, as well as selected mobile generators from AAHK. The pilot will monitor fuel performance and efficiency throughout the trial period. In conducting this pilot, HKIA is the first airport in Asia to use renewable diesel.
AAHK launched the HKIA Greenovation Fund in 2022 (comprising of HKD 20 million over three years) to provide airport business partners who have joined the HKIA 2050 Net Zero Carbon Pledge with financial support in piloting sustainable and innovative technologies to accelerate carbon reduction across HKIA. Hactl runs the pilot project with sponsorship by this fund.
Q: How does the pilot program contribute to achieving the HKIA 2050 Net Zero Carbon Pledge?
A: To support the HKIA 2050 Net Zero Carbon Pledge, AAHK has developed the HKIA Decarbonisation Roadmap, setting out concrete actions to achieve the 2035 midpoint target. The RD Pilot is one of the key initiatives of the roadmap and pilot participants will also share trial findings with the airport community to enable scale-up in the future if appropriate. This initiative demonstrates the collaborative approach under the airport-wide Net Zero Carbon Pledge.
Q: Are there any other initiatives in place to reduce scope 1 emissions at HKIA?
A: In 2022/23, mobile sources contributed to approximately 20% of AAHK's Scope 1 emissions. One of the most impactful ways AAHK can reduce emissions and contribute to HKIA's carbon footprint is through electrification of fleet – replacing fossil fuels-powered vehicles and equipment at the airport with electric equivalents.
Since July 2013, AAHK has been implementing an Airside Vehicle Electrification Programme to replace airside vehicles with electric models in phases. In 2018, AAHK introduced the award-winning Ground Services Equipment (GSE) Pooling Scheme, which allows ramp handling operators to rent critical and electric GSE to serve client airlines. For further information, please refer to our Corporate Website.
Reference:
1. The projection of achieving an 87% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is derived from the Pilot's renewable diesel supplier Shell Hong Kong Limited's reference to the Renewable Energy Directive 2018/2001/EU (RED II) Annex V. The reduction estimate is based on the utilisation of hydrotreated oil derived from waste cooking oil feedstock.
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Hong Kong to ban disposable plastic tableware and other plastic products on
22 April 2024
The Government will ban the sale and distribution of disposable plastic tableware and disposable plastic products in Hong Kong from this year’s Earth Day on 22 April, following Legislative Council’s passing of the Product Eco-responsibility (Amendment) Bill last year.
The ban will be introduced in two phases, the first phase will prohibit restaurants from providing dine-in and takeaway customers with disposable plastic tableware including expanded polystyrene tableware, straws, stirrers, forks, knives, spoons, and plates. Restaurants are also not allowed to provide disposable plastic cups, cup lids, food containers and food container covers to dine-in customers. Hotels and guesthouses will also not be allowed to provide guests with free plastic bottles of water or bathroom items such as plastic-handled toothbrushes, plastic-packed toothpaste, and body washes packed in disposable plastic containers. Other disposable plastic products such as umbrella bags and cotton buds will also be included in the ban.
In the second phase, the ban of disposable plastic tableware will be expanded to include the sale to end customers and provision for dine-in and takeaway customers. Moreover, the Government will also prohibit the sale and free distribution of tablecloths, plastic-stemmed dental floss, etc. The second phase of regulation would depend on the availability and affordability of non-plastic or reusable alternatives.
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Cathay Cargo Terminal Launches Electronic Shipment Release Forms to Enhancing Efficiency and Sustainability
Cathay Cargo Terminal has launched the Electronic Shipment Release Forms (eSRF), becoming the first Hong Kong cargo terminal operator to offer end-to-end digital import collection. The eSRF forms are part of the Import Air Cargo Collection Digitalization Module on the HKIA Cargo Data Platform, which speeds up the entire import collection process, providing improved efficiency and enabling freight forwarders to plan their work schedule with more flexibility. With the use of eSRFs, security and visibility are enhanced while also contributing to a more sustainable future by eliminating the need for paper Shipment Release Forms.
Learn more
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Cathay Expands Corporate Sustainable Aviation Fuel Programme with New Partners to Drive Industry Decarbonisation
Cathay launched its Corporate Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Programme in 2022 and has now welcomed three new partners to the programme: Dimerco Express Group, Yusen Logistics, and Business Environment Council. The objective of the Cathay Corporate SAF Programme is to accelerate the shift towards sustainable aviation while providing customers with Scope 3 emissions reductions. The organisations have joined Cathay to promote the wider adoption of renewable energy by the aviation industry to reduce carbon emissions from their business travel and cargo shipments. AAHK has been a launch partner of Cathay’s Corporate SAF Programme since its inception in 2022.
Learn more
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HK Express Flight Efficiency Programme Cuts 3,500 Tonnes of CO2 Emissions in 2023
HK Express has implemented a Flight Efficiency Programme to reduce CO2 emissions. The Flight Efficiency Programme focuses on optimising fuel efficiency while maintaining safety standards. It includes measures such as reduced-flap landings, reverse-idle landings, and single-engine taxiing upon arrival. The initiatives are supported by extensive pilot training and clear protocols based on international best practices. In 2023, HK Express successfully reduced approximately 3,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions through the programme.
Learn more
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Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company organised a trail cleanup event "Hike for Future" on 24 February
Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited (HAECO) organised a trail cleanup event "Hike for Future" on 24 February to enhance colleagues' environmental awareness. The "Hike for Future" is one of HAECO's signature environmental events. This year, to celebrate World Wetland Day, over 35 HAECO colleagues and their family members gathered to clean up Tung O Ancient Trail and protect Tung Chung Wetland. Along the 15 km route, participants were committed to outdoor etiquette - a detrimental amount of 105 kg of trash was collected. Participants not only were introduced to the rich natural and cultural assets but more importantly - the beauty of the wetland biodiversity and wrapped up the day with increased awareness of mangrove species, its environmental importance as well as the vital connection between wetlands and our well-being.
HAECO has been dedicated to making positive environmental impacts. Looking forward, HAECO will introduce further initiatives and engage with colleagues to conserve this beautiful nature in the neighborhood of Hong Kong International Airport together.
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AAHK joined the Hong Kong Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition as a founding member
The Hong Kong Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition (HKSAFC) was officially launched on 29 January. The coalition is chaired and convened by the Business Environment Council and consists of 13 founding partners including AAHK from the SAF value chain. The HKSAFC aims to facilitate the adoption of SAF in Hong Kong by conducting whitepaper research on SAF development, engaging with different stakeholders and the Government, and raising public awareness of the benefits as well as challenges of SAF. The participation demonstrates AAHK's commitment to building a sustainable aviation hub and to supporting the use of SAF at HKIA.
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HKIA Carbon Capacity Building Programme
To deepen airport business partners’ understanding of carbon emission sources and their direct link to climate change, AAHK organised an event titled "Guided Carbon Audit Tour and Climate & Aviation Game" as part of the HKIA Carbon Capacity Building Programme. The event took place in March 2024 and included a guided tour of Terminal 1 and the Aviation Academy, where participants identified the carbon emissions (Scope 1, 2, and 3) along the route. After the tour, a "Climate and Aviation Game" was arranged to help participants explore the causes, impacts, and potential solutions to climate change in the aviation industry.
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| We are eager to share and showcase environmental and sustainability practices. Please contact Tiffany Yip and Louis Or to discuss your ideas. |
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