HKIA First in Asia’s to Use Renewable Diesel on Ground Services Equipment

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) announced today the launch of a renewable diesel pilot project at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) as part of its unwavering commitment to developing HKIA into the world’s greenest airport. HKIA is the first airport in Asia to use renewable diesel, which can reduce greenhouse gas emission by 87% compared to petroleum diesel, on ground services equipment.

The pilot project is launched in collaboration with Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (HACTL) and Shell Hong Kong Limited. HACTL is also the first cargo terminal in Asia to use renewable diesel on ground services equipment.

The renewable diesel to be piloted, known as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), is a drop-in fuel fully compatible with diesel engines of equipment such as tractors, rubber removal machines, apron sweeper and mobile generators.

Vivian Cheung, Chief Operating Officer of AAHK, said, “The pilot project marks a significant milestone on our pathway to developing into the world’s greenest airport, achieving our net-zero carbon commitment by 2050 and our midpoint target of 50% reduction in 2035. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of our aviation business partners, we are Asia’s first airport to break new ground on the use of renewable diesel, and we look forward to broadening the usage at the airport in the future.”

Amy Lam, Chief Sustainability Officer of HACTL, said, “HACTL is proud to be one of the businesses supporting this important initiative from AAHK. Not all diesel-powered ground service equipment can currently be replaced with electric versions, so the use of renewable diesel could provide an acceptable interim measure that will reduce emissions, until such time as better alternatives are developed. We are solidly behind this trial, and will do everything possible to ensure its success."

Anne Yu, Managing Director of Shell Hong Kong Limited, said, “Shell integrates sustainability into its business and aims to become a net-zero energy business by 2050. Shell Hong Kong is committed to introducing low-carbon energy solutions to Hong Kong to support Hong Kong's green transition. We hope that through this HVO pilot project, we can accelerate the supply and use of renewable energy in Hong Kong.”

HACTL runs the pilot project with sponsorship by the HKIA Greenovation Fund. Established by AAHK in 2022, the Fund aims to provide financial support to business partners who have joined AAHK’s Net Zero Carbon pledge in 2021, to explore and pilot new carbon reduction technologies to accelerate the decarbonisation process at the airport.