Dr Tong Shiu-sing (right), Senior Lecturer from the CUHK’s Department of Physics, introduced the newly developed hydrogen energy educational kit to students and guests, including Under Secretary for Education Dr Sze Chun-fai (second from right), during the Hydrogen Zero Carbon STEAM Carnival last month
Igniting a green future through advancing hydrogen energy education
Promoting low-carbon energy in the Hydrogen Zero Carbon STEAM Carnival
12 March 2025
In support of the Hong Kong government’s initiative to develop low-carbon energy sources and promote hydrogen energy for carbon neutrality, CUHK participated in the Hydrogen Zero Carbon STEAM Carnival on 22 and 23 February, where they showcased innovative education kits on renewable energy and hydrogen energy.
During the two-day event, CUHK’s Department of Physics reached out to hundreds of participants at its booth, where they were able to learn about scientific knowledge related to hydrogen energy through experiments and activities. The carnival was organised by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) and co-organised by the Education Bureau (EDB) and the Construction Industry Council – Zero Carbon Park.
Since last year, CUHK’s Department of Physics has collaborated with the EDB to develop an innovative educational kit on hydrogen energy. In addition to theories, the kit also comes with prototypes, enabling teachers and students to produce hydrogen gas through the electrolysis of water powered by solar energy. The hydrogen gas is then fed into a fuel cell, where it reacts with oxygen gas from the air to generate electricity to power a model vehicle. This process produces only water, with no pollutants or carbon emissions, giving students a first-hand experience with the significance of using hydrogen energy in sustainable development.
To further support teachers in incorporating hydrogen energy education into the curriculum, CUHK’s Department of Physics conducted pilot classes at two secondary schools and organised a series of teacher seminars and workshops. Over 120 secondary school science teachers attended the activities and learnt to use the prototypes, and each was given a set of the educational kit for use in their teaching.
Hong Kong is rapidly advancing its hydrogen energy applications, particularly in exploring the potential of powering heavy duties. A hydrogen-powered double-deck bus is currently undergoing trials, and hydrogen-powered street washing vehicles are set to be put in use soon.
By introducing the innovative educational kit, CUHK’s Department of Physics aims to help students bridge classroom learning with modern technology and green energy and raise their awareness of climate change and achieving carbon neutrality.
