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Following is a question by the Hon Audrey Eu and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward Yau, in the Legislative Council today (October 28):
Question:
It is learnt that Zhuhai city is developing wind power projects in Hengqin Island, Gaolan Harbour and Hebao Island. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether:
(a) it has found out from the relevant mainland authorities the details of the development of wind power in the above places; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(b) it had, in the past three years, assessed the potential for the development of electricity generation by renewable energy sources, such as wind power and solar power, in the coastal areas of the Pearl River Delta (PRD); if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(c) it had, in the past three years, assessed the feasibility of jointly developing renewable energy projects by Hong Kong and PRD cities; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
The development of renewable energy is an important element of developing the Pearl River Delta Region into a Green and Quality Living Area (Green PRD Living Area) jointly promoted by Hong Kong and Guangdong. To create the Green PRD Living Area, both sides will examine how to strengthen research and development (R&D) as well as application of renewable energy. Our aim is to enhance the use and production of clean fuels, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and jointly improve the energy structure in the region.
On January 8, 2009, the National Development and Reform Commission promulgated "the Outline of the Plan for the Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta". The proposals in the outline include: strengthening energy co-operation at home and abroad, exploring energy resources through various channels, actively developing new energy and renewable energy, with focused efforts on the construction of wind power plants and solar energy projects. The Liaison and Co-ordinating Meeting of Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macao in Jointly Taking Forward the Implementation of "The Outline of the Plan for the Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta" was convened in February this year. At the meeting, the Hong Kong Government proposed fostering closer collaboration with Guangdong and Macao in a number of areas, including promoting wider usage and R&D of renewable energy. In parallel, under the framework of environmental protection co-operation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, both sides agreed to launch joint projects on R&D and usage of renewable energy in their medium-term plans.
Apart from the above co-operation frameworks, the Government has been actively exploring with Mainland co-operation in specific projects on the development of renewable energy. In 2008, the governments of Hong Kong and Shenzhen, under the "Shenzhen/Hong Kong Innovation Circle", successfully invited DuPont, a US enterprise, to locate its global photovoltaic solar energy business headquarters and R&D centre in Hong Kong and its manufacturing base in Shenzhen. The business headquarters and R&D centre in the Hong Kong Science Park opened in March, 2009 and its manufacturing base in Shenzhen is scheduled to be set up within this year. This project not only helps promote the research and usage of solar energy in the Pearl River Delta Region, but also combines Hong Kong's edge in such areas as the rule of law and the protection of intellectual property rights with Shenzhen's strong productivity. We believe that this mode of development will draw more prominent Mainland and overseas enterprises, including those involved in renewable energy, to Hong Kong.
Guangdong and Hong Kong collaborate to establish co-operation framework and promote R&D in renewable energy. As for co-operation in individual renewable energy projects, they are mainly taken forward by private enterprises. A power company in Hong Kong has invested in renewable energy projects in Guangdong Province, including hydro and wind power generation facilities. The Government will continue its efforts to co-operate with Guangdong Province in promoting the R&D and usage of renewable energy.
Ends/Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Issued at HKT 14:00
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