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The following is issued on behalf of the Energy Advisory Committee:
The Energy Advisory Committee today (December 23) held a Forum on Low Carbon Energy and Climate Change to discuss the role of energy policy and measures in combating climate change.
There were two discussion sessions at the Forum. The first session examined the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions through enhancing building energy efficiency, as well as the strengths and constraints of Hong Kong's unique built environment. The second part explored the considerations on importing more nuclear power as Hong Kong's strategy in reducing GHG emissions in the coming decade, and the potential to develop renewable energy locally.
"We hope this forum will serve as a platform for exchanging views on how energy policies and measures could help combat climate change, and explore the opportunities and challenges presented by the national energy development plan of the Mainland for Hong Kong," said the Chairman of the Energy Advisory Committee, Mr Edmund Leung.
"In our on-going public consultation on climate change, the Government proposed an aggressive target of reducing carbon intensity from the 2005 level by 50 to 60% by 2020. The promotion of energy efficiency and optimising fuel mix for electricity generation are key components in the package of proposed measures. The Forum on Low Carbon Energy and Climate Change held by the Energy Advisory Committee enables the public to discuss in detail our future energy-related strategy to reduce GHG emissions," said the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward Yau, who also attended the Forum.
At the Forum, experts and academics expressed views on energy-related measures concerning Hong Kong's climate change strategy, covering an introduction on the international practices and trends of using clean energy for electricity generation, and their effectiveness in reducing carbon emissions in future.
The participants supported enhancing energy efficiency, and concurred that cross-sectoral co-operation and contribution across the community is necessary in combating climate change. As regards nuclear safety and nuclear waste treatment, speakers pointed out that in order to ensure nuclear safety, the Mainland had put in place stringent regulations on the multiple safeguards on the design, construction and operation of nuclear power plants, as well as the treatment of nuclear waste.
Experts, academics and participants also discussed the potential to develop renewable energy locally.
Concluding the discussion, Mr Leung said the Forum served as a good platform for further discussion on Hong Kong's future energy policy. The Energy Advisory Committee looked forward to promoting the discussion in the society in the process of formulating our climate change strategy so that Hong Kong could take forward a low carbon energy policy.
Ends/Thursday, December 23, 2010
Issued at HKT 20:25
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