The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited, known as Towngas, has submitted proposals to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government as part of the city’s first Five-Year Plan consultation (2026–2030), calling for the establishment of a dedicated 'Energy Office' and a green fuel certification hub, among other recommendations spanning eight policy areas.

Towngas said its proposals are designed to align with China’s national 15th Five-Year Plan and cover areas including green energy transition, innovation and technology, and green finance.

Marine fuels and low-carbon shipping among key targets

Among the more maritime-focused recommendations, Towngas proposes that Hong Kong leverage its position as an international hub by improving port facilities to support green methanol bunkering. The company also advocates advancing a model it describes as “Greater Bay Area production, Hong Kong blending and application” for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

To underpin trading activity, Towngas recommends establishing a new mechanism for trading green commodities and expanding financial instruments such as green infrastructure real estate investment trusts (REITs), which it says would consolidate Hong Kong’s standing as a green finance and trading centre.

A dedicated 'Energy Office'

Towngas proposes that the HKSAR Government create a standalone 'Energy Office' tasked with mapping out Hong Kong’s energy development blueprint and aligning it with national energy planning. According to the company, the office should focus on three strategic directions: integrating Hong Kong’s strengths into the national development framework; coordinating resources to ensure energy security; and prioritising the commercialisation of hydrogen, green methanol and SAF.

Certification hub and talent development

In a proposal that would have direct implications for the bunker fuels sector, Towngas recommends that the government build an internationally aligned certification system for green fuels. The company points to its experience in obtaining what it describes as the country’s first batch of certifications under the Global Sustainable Transport Certification (GSTC) scheme as a model for creating a 'green certification hub'.

Towngas also calls on tertiary institutions to develop interdisciplinary talent combining expertise in green technology, finance, trade and regulatory knowledge.

Exporting the 'Hong Kong experience'

Towngas argues that Hong Kong’s green energy enterprises should act as “super-connectors” and “super value-adders”, promoting green technologies and management expertise to other countries. The company advocates for strategic alliances covering production, research, technology and market development to accelerate the commercialisation of hydrogen, green methanol and SAF.

Towngas Managing Director Peter Wong Wai-yee said: “As Hong Kong’s longest-established utility company, Towngas has always supported the Government’s policies to promote Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability. The Hong Kong Five-Year Plan is of great significance, as it sets the direction for Hong Kong’s development over the next five years and enables Hong Kong to better align with the national 15th Five-Year Plan and integrate more deeply into the country’s overall development. Towngas will leverage its professional strengths in the energy sector to actively contribute and support Hong Kong in seizing the abundant opportunities ahead.”

The HKSAR Government’s consultation on the Five-Year Plan is ongoing.