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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, today (September 20) visited the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department to learn more about the department's initiatives in promoting energy efficiency, energy conservation and renewable energy.
Accompanied by the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Ho Kwong-wai, the Chief Executive toured the Education Gallery on the top floor of the department's Headquarters in Kowloon Bay. He was briefed on several renewable energy installations, including the largest 350kW solar photovoltaic panel installation in the territory, the micro wind turbines, a daylight collection system and a solar water heating system.
Mr Tsang was told that the solar photovoltaic system could produce enough electricity for about 90 average households and cut emission of about 250 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the power stations every year.
"Improving the quality of life and protecting the environment is one of the key pledges in my election manifesto. I am most impressed to see the many innovative ideas adopted by the department in promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency," Mr Tsang said.
He then toured the Exhibition Gallery where exhibits were demonstrated in a lively manner to introduce to the community various renewable and clean energy technologies as well as energy efficiency initiatives. Since its opening in November 2005, about 8,000 visitors from 220 organisations and schools have visited the gallery.
Apart from energy initiatives, Mr Tsang also visited the Technology Centre which demonstrated a number of innovative service applications developed by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department for other government departments. He was shown a 3.5G mobile closed circuit television (CCTV) surveillance system widely used by the Transport Department to monitor road traffic, in particular during emergency and critical situations.
The Chief Executive then visited the Training Workshop and learnt that the department was providing structured training for school leavers and university graduates under the accredited training schemes for apprentices and engineering graduates.
There are currently about 230 apprentices registered under the Office of Director of Apprenticeship, and 40 engineering graduates in the department registered under the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers.
Before ending the visit, Mr Tsang met with staff representatives to learn more about their challenges at work. He commended them for their quality services and innovative output in serving the community and making Hong Kong a safer and greener city.
Ends/Thursday, September 20, 2007
Issued at HKT 14:19
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