SEE attends Third Belt and Road Energy Partnership Forum (with photos)

 　　 The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, today (May 24) attended the Third Belt and Road Energy Partnership Forum in Xiamen to discuss various co-operation issues that include safeguarding energy security and the promotion of green energy transformation.

The Forum was organised by the National Energy Administration. The theme for this year is "Stepping Towards High-quality Energy Development". In delivering his speech, Mr Tse highlighted the decarbonisation strategies set out by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050 with a view to aligning with the national "dual carbon" targets.

"The Government announced in 2021 the Hong Kong's Climate Action Plan 2050, setting out the 'net-zero electricity generation' decarbonisation strategy. Electricity generation is the largest source of carbon emissions in Hong Kong. Through strengthening regional energy co-operation, we strive to increase the use of zero-carbon energy in electricity generation by raising its share in the fuel mix to around 60 per cent to 70 per cent before 2035," Mr Tse said.

Mr Tse also pointed out that the two power companies in Hong Kong have been contributing to the development of the electricity industry in the nation and Belt and Road countries. They have been endeavouring to develop clean energy and promote low-carbon transformation, which also provides opportunities for the exchange of technology and experience for energy management talent.

Mr Tse continued that, with the staunch support of the country and under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong has the advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world. The HKSAR Government will take the initiative to dovetail with national strategies such as high-quality Belt and Road development, and contribute to the sustainable development of the nation with its strengths.

Mr Tse also visited the Exhibition on the 10th Anniversary of Belt and Road Energy Cooperation at the Forum. The Exhibition showcased the achievements of Belt and Road energy co-operation projects over the past decade. The projects have injected new impetus for world economic prosperity and social development, provided new solutions for the reform of the global energy governance system and made new contributions to the happiness of people in the Belt and Road countries.

Mr Tse will return to Hong Kong tomorrow morning (May 25).