Following is the video speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the CLP's 125th Anniversary Cocktail Reception today (March 26):
 
Sir Michael Kadoorie (Chairman of CLP Holdings Limited), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
      Good evening. It is a great pleasure to join you for this special evening marking CLP's 125th anniversary. One hundred and twenty-five years is not just a milestone. It is a story. A story of shared growth with Hong Kong, of powering our homes, our businesses, our infrastructure, and, of course, our future.
 
      Since its earliest days, CLP has been a key partner in building the energy infrastructure that supports our daily lives and drives our economic vitality. Today, as we build on our status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre, and as an international aviation hub - while developing into new roles, including that of an innovation and technology hub - CLP continues to play a vital role in powering our progress.
 
      And that progress must be sustainable. Our commitment to attaining "net-zero" before 2050, and ceasing the use of coal for daily electricity generation by 2035, reflects our determination to build a greener future. With the continued support of our power sector, that is exactly what we will do. We will transform Hong Kong into a greener, more sustainable city.
 
      That commitment is already taking shape. The Clean Energy Transmission System will be upgraded this year, and we are also planning ahead to strengthen our capacity to receive and process more zero-carbon electricity from our country, China. Our goal is to raise the share of zero-carbon energy in our fuel mix to around 60 to 70 per cent by 2035.
 
      As we green our energy mix, we must also ensure that our energy supply remains reliable, safe, and affordable. CLP has worked tirelessly to keep our grid secure for decades. The successful operation of Hong Kong's first Offshore Liquefied Natural Gas Terminal since 2023 has further strengthened our energy security.
 
      This solid foundation prepares us for tomorrow's priorities, including the Northern Metropolis. Covering around one‑third of Hong Kong's total area, this new growth engine requires forward‑looking infrastructure. And CLP's support, surely, will be essential in planning the power infrastructure the Northern Metropolis will need as the Government drives forward its development.
 
      That same forward-looking mindset is transforming our city on every scale. On our streets, the shift is unmistakable. Seven out of 10 newly registered private cars are now electric. CLP's continued efforts to expand the charging network are helping to drive the green motoring transition forward.
 
      The same innovative spirit drives our exploration of new frontiers in clean energy. Following the Government's Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong, CLP has embarked on a trial blending hydrogen with natural gas at the Black Point Power Station. This initiative will help pave the way for the potential use of green hydrogen in power generation in the future.
 
      Yet infrastructure alone is not enough. A sustainable energy future must also be inclusive, because energy is ultimately about people. I am glad to see CLP's longstanding commitment to the community. There is the Community Energy Saving Fund, which helps households and businesses upgrade to more energy-efficient appliances. And there is the CLP Volunteer Team, one of the largest corporate volunteer teams in Hong Kong, reaching out to the elderly and vulnerable with care and support. That is the mark of a company that lives its social purpose.
 
      Ladies and gentlemen, this evening is more than a celebration of years gone by. It is about a story that began 125 years ago and is still being written. A story of shared growth that continues to power Hong Kong's development. From powering our present to supporting our green transition, CLP has been part of our city's journey. I am confident it will continue to play a constructive and positive role in the chapters ahead.
 
      My warmest congratulations to everyone at CLP on this remarkable anniversary. I look forward to our continued work together in building a better, greener, and even more vibrant Hong Kong. Thank you.

Ends/Thursday, March 26, 2026
Issued at HKT 18:00

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