********************************
The Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward Yau, today (May 30, Austrian time) began his visit to Austria to learn more about the country's advanced waste-treatment facilities.
First he visited the Spittelau Thermal Waste Treatment Plant to see how advanced incineration technology has been utilised so that power can be generated from waste. He also visited the district cooling system of the plant. The modern facility and its innovative design have made it a popular tourist attraction.
Mr Yau later met the Executive Council Member of the City of Vienna responsible for the environment, Ms Ulrike Sima, to exchange views on waste-management strategy.
He then attended a roundtable lunch held by the Austrian Trade Commissioner, at which he exchanged views with green-industry operators and briefed them on green business opportunities in Hong Kong.
This was followed by a visit to another waste-treatment facility, the Pfaffenau Waste Incineration Plant, which also uses advanced waste-to-energy technology. In addition to the treatment of waste, it also provides electricity and heat for tens of thousands of families in Vienna.
Mr Yau will next meet the Acting Chinese Ambassador to the Republic of Austria, Mr Wang Shunqing, to share views on issues of mutual concern.
He will depart Vienna for Sao Paulo, Brazil, tomorrow (May 31, Austrian time) to attend the C40 Climate Summit.
Ends/Monday, May 30, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:57
NNNN