Hong Kong's Environmental Protection Department has approved the seventh batch of applications for the trial of green transport technologies under its Pilot Green Transport Fund.

The eight newly approved applications include the trial of one solar air-conditioning system on a shuttle bus and 10 electric light goods vehicles, involving a total subsidy of about HKD2 million. The applications were from C & C Logistic Services Company Limited; Geotech Engineering Limited; Hong Kong International School Association Limited; Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation; Mak Hang Kei (Hong Kong) Construction Limited; New Method Cleaning Services Limited; Ray Ray Limited; and Swire Beverages Limited.

This reportedly brings the total number of trials under the fund to 52 for the testing of 14 electric taxis, 11 electric buses, 28 electric goods vehicles, 24 hybrid goods vehicles, 12 hybrid light buses and one solar air-conditioning system, amounting to a total subsidy of about $78 million.

Hong Kong's government set up the USD300 million fund in March 2011 to encourage the public transport sector to test green transport technologies. The fund is open for applications from public transport operators, charitable and non-profit organizations providing services to clients, and goods vehicle owners.