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The Government today (November 27) awarded a HK$4.9 million consultancy contract to Camp Dresser & McKee International Inc. to undertake a comprehensive study in the coming 32 months to investigate the viability of using new and renewable energy technologies in Hong Kong and to make recommendations for formulation of an implementation strategy.

A pilot project to install photovoltaic panels in existing government building(s) to demonstrate to the general public the applicability of new and renewable energy technologies will also be included as part of the study.

The study will help the Government to formulate a development strategy using new and renewable energy technologies in Hong Kong to reduce pollution arising from energy use and to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

The study will -

1. collect and analyse information on all new and renewable energy technologies;

2. evaluate the different new and renewable energy technologies to identify those suitable for use in Hong Kong;

3. establish requirements and specifications for suitable new and renewable energy equipment and provide estimate of the potential scale of application;

4. identify practical arrangements to support the introduction and maintenance of new and renewable energy technologies;

5. devise master plans to address the priorities and preferences relating to the promotion and implementation of cost-effective new and renewable energy technologies;

6. formulate a policy proposal with a strategy on wider applications of new and renewable energy technologies; and

7. select and supervise a design and build contractor to install photovoltaic panels in existing government building(s) as well as collecting data to assess the performance of Building Integrated Photovoltaic systems.

The study is an initiative managed by the Energy Efficiency Office of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department at the directive of a Steering Group comprising members from the Environment and Food Bureau, Economic Services Bureau, Architectural Services Department, and Electrical and Mechanical Services Department.

End/Monday, November 27, 2000

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