The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, will depart for Seattle, the United States (US), tomorrow (August 14) to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Energy Ministerial Meeting (EMM).
 
     Mr Tse will attend the APEC EMM on August 15 and 16 (US time) which has "Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All" as its theme. During the two-day meeting, energy ministers and senior officials from 21 APEC member economies will have an extensive dialogue to strengthen co-operation to accelerate progress towards a clean energy transition while ensuring sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the region. The discussion will cover progress of decarbonisation for the power sectors, advancing energy resilience and energy security across the region, and setting of new energy goals for the APEC community.
 
     At the discussion session on "Power Sector Decarbonization" on August 15 (US time), Mr Tse will share with APEC member economies the strategies and work of Hong Kong on decarbonising the power sector, including developing new energy facilities, such as the offshore liquefied natural gas terminal; setting the target to cease using coal for daily electricity generation by 2035; accelerating the development of renewable energy and exploring collaboration with neighbouring regions to increase the use of zero-carbon energy.
 
     During his stay in the US, Mr Tse will have bilateral meetings with representatives from other APEC member economies to exchange views on strengthening co-operation on energy matters. In addition, Mr Tse will visit new energy facilities, including the Microsoft Thermal Energy Center.
 
     Deputy Director of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department Mr Raymond Poon will also attend the EMM.
 
     Mr Tse will conclude his visit and depart for Hong Kong in the morning of August 17 (US time). During his absence, the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong, will be the Acting Secretary for Environment and Ecology.

Ends/Sunday, August 13, 2023
Issued at HKT 15:00

NNNN