The Guangdong Provincial Government listed Foshan as a base for strategic emerging industries in 2014. Foshan is the province’s only core industrial base for fuel cell and hydrogen energy technology. In recent years, the city’s new energy technology has seen rapid advances, creating a vibrant industry chain and pioneering clean energy development in the country.
On 29 November, Felix Lee, Chairman of the China Committee, and Steve Wong, Chairman of the Environment and Sustainability Committee, led a delegation to Foshan to learn about the development of clean energy and sustainability policies.
Delegates visited Foran Energy Group, where they met with business and government representatives, including Yao Tao, Deputy General Manager of Foran Energy Technology Co., Ltd., Wang Ziyuan, President of the Foshan Institute of Environment and Energy Technology, and Yu Qiusheng, Deputy Director of Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the Foshan Municipal Committee.
With the country’s efforts in diversifying its energy structure, Foran Energy Group is actively responding to the national “dual carbon” strategy. In addition to consolidating and optimizing its traditional gas business, the company is expanding into new energy fields, gradually evolving into a comprehensive energy service provider.
During the meeting, members were updated on Hong Kong’s and Foshan’s growing cooperation in new energy in recent years. Companies from the two cities also signed several agreements to strengthen cooperation and work together to advance the development of the green economy.
The delegation also met with Ding Xifeng, a Member of the Standing Committee of the Foshan Municipal Party Committee and Minister of United Front Work. Explaining the city’s business landscape, Ding noted that from January to October 2024, 477 Hong Kong businesses set up operations in Foshan, a 23.6% year-on-year increase. Actual foreign investment during the period amounted to RMB 1.67 billion, accounting for 71.6% of the city’s total actual foreign investment in the same year.
He stated that the two economies could engage in comprehensive cooperation by leveraging Hong Kong’s science and technology strengths and Foshan’s capabilities in technology commercialization. Other forms of collaboration include partnerships between Hong Kong brands and Foshan’s manufacturing industry, as well as Hong Kong’s talent and Foshan’s entrepreneurial spirit. Additionally, Hong Kong’s strengths in finance could support Foshan’s enterprises.
Nanhai District is a hub for hydrogen energy, hosting over 150 companies and institutions dedicated to exploring and developing this technology. At the Nanhai Hydrogen Center, participants gained valuable insights into its applications and development plans in the Mainland.
A visit to Grangblue Solid Waste Treatment and Environmental Protection Industrial Parks and Foshan CleanEst Energy Technology Co., Ltd. also offered a glimpse into the progress of green technology. Focusing on treating odours with modern technology, Grangblue Industrial Parks processes domestic and industrial waste in Nanhai around the clock while keeping the surrounding environment smoke- and odour-free.
As one of the top ten fuel cell developers and manufacturers in the Mainland, CleanEst Energy Technology’s core business is to develop hydrogen fuel cells for use in new energy vehicles. Currently, the company has established collaborations with Hong Kong enterprises, forging a solid bridge for the development of hydrogen energy in Guangdong and Hong Kong.
“The trip was truly eye-opening as it revealed the advances of Foshan’s clean energy sector,” said Lee. “We should leverage Hong Kong’s strengths and deepen cooperation with Foshan to achieve mutual benefits and win-win results.”