kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
SEE to attend APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting in US
13.8.2023

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.
SEE concludes visit to Zhejiang Province (with photos)
11.8.2023

âThe Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, today (August 11) concluded his visit to Zhejiang Province. Mr Tse first visited the offshore electricity transmission research base in Zhoushan yesterday (August 10) where he received a briefing from the representative on the development of power transmission and transformation technology and equipment in the Mainland. He then visited a converter station to have a deeper understanding of the application of flexible direct current (DC) transmission technology. This project has created multiple world records, including the world's first five-terminal flexible DC transmission project and the world's first and longest connectorless DC submarine cable, signifying the country is at the forefront of flexible DC transmission technology in the world. Mr Tse proceeded to Hangzhou today (August 11) to learn more about State Grid Corporation of China's flexible low-frequency transmission pilot project. This project, with the highest voltage level and the largest transmission capacity in the country, was put into operation in June. It provides flexible electric energy support for the area where the main venue of Hangzhou Asian Games is located, so as to meet the peak electricity demands during the event. Mr Tse returned to Hong Kong this afternoon.
SEE concludes visit to three cities in Greater Bay Area (with photos)
9.8.2023

The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, together with the Legislative Council Panel on Environmental Affairs, today (August 9) concluded their duty visit to three cities in the Greater Bay Area. The delegation visited the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station in the morning and listened to a briefing on the production of nuclear power and the development of nuclear energy technology in the Mainland. The Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station is the country's first large-scale commercial nuclear power plant that introduced advanced technology, equipment and capital. It has been providing Hong Kong with a safe and stable power supply, serving as a model of energy co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong. In the afternoon, the delegation visited the waste incineration facility and the science education exhibition hall at the Nanshan Energy Eco-Park in Shenzhen, and exchanged views with the authorities on planning, construction and operation of waste incineration facilities, learning about Shenzhen's abundant experience and technological advantages with a view to promoting the development of a network of municipal solid waste incineration facilities in Hong Kong. The Nanshan Energy Eco-Park, which has a daily treatment capacity of 2 300 tonnes of domestic waste, is located in an upscale commercial and residential area. The Eco-Park has showcased how advanced and efficient waste incineration facilities can be harmonised with neighbouring commercial and residential areas. Mr Tse said, "By observing cities around the world, it can be seen that many advanced cities have achieved the transformation of waste into resources through waste incineration for generation of electricity. Our country has also made great efforts in developing waste-to-energy technology and reached a world-class level. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will continue to vigorously promote waste reduction at source and clean recycling. The Government will also adopt advanced technology for developing waste-to-energy facilities to replace landfills, integrating with public amenities or green tourism concepts to maximise synergy through co-locating public facilities that can widely benefit members of the public." The delegation concluded their duty visit to three cities in the Greater Bay Area. Mr Tse will proceed to Zhejiang Province in the evening to continue the visit.
SEE continues visit to three cities in Greater Bay Area (with photos)
8.8.2023

The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, together with the Legislative Council Panel on Environmental Affairs, continued their duty visit to three cities in the Greater Bay Area today (August 8). The delegation visited Foshan, which is the pioneer demonstration area for the development of the hydrogen energy industry in Guangdong Province, in the morning. They first visited the Nanhai Hydrogen Center in Foshan and received a briefing from the representatives on the planning and achievements of hydrogen energy development in Foshan to learn more about the development and application of hydrogen energy in the Mainland. The delegation then visited Gaoming district in Foshan to experience the world's first commercially operated hydrogen-fuelled light rail vehicle and exchange views with the staff on the applications of hydrogen vehicles. Mr Tse said that the country has set four basic principles for the medium- and long-term plan for the development of the hydrogen energy industry: i.e. (i) innovation leads, self-reliance and self-improvement; (ii) safety first, clean and low-carbon; (iii) market-led and government-led; and (iv) prudent application and demonstration first. Last year, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region set up the Inter-departmental Working Group on Using Hydrogen as Fuel to co-ordinate preparation works of bureaux/departments for using hydrogen as fuel locally and to promote the use of hydrogen energy in Hong Kong progressively in accordance with the four basic principles of the country in alignment with the national policy. In the afternoon, the delegation visited the exhibition hall of Huawei Digital Power AntoHill Headquarters in Shenzhen. They received a briefing from a representative on Huawei's latest developments in the areas of green buildings, photovoltaic power generation and energy storage, zero-carbon community, etc. Mr Tse and the delegation will continue their visit to the Greater Bay Area tomorrow (August 9), including visits to the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant and Nanshan Energy Eco-Park in Shenzhen.
APEC holds Energy Modelling Workshop in Hong Kong, China via video conferencing (with photos) 
8.8.2023

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Workshop on Energy Modelling was held in Hong Kong, China via video conference today (August 8). Delivering the opening remarks at the workshop, the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, said Hong Kong is striving to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government published the Hong Kong's Climate Action Plan 2050, which outlines Hong Kong's decarbonisation strategies and targets, as well as the climate adaptation and resilience measures. Hong Kong will tackle the carbon emissions problem at source through four major strategies, namely net-zero electricity generation, energy saving and green buildings, green transport and waste reduction. The Government also set up a new Office of Climate Change and Carbon Neutrality to strengthen co-ordination and promote work such as deep decarbonisation. Mr Tse said that Hong Kong, China is delighted to host this workshop, which gathers experts and APEC member economies to share their experiences on adopting energy modelling and strengthening collaboration in shaping a greener tomorrow together. Around 90 experts and delegates from eight APEC member economies and five organisations attended the workshop to share their experiences on the utilisation of energy modelling in forecasting energy consumption and tracking low carbon transition progress, as well as for formatting the energy policies. The Assistant Director (Electricity and Energy Efficiency) of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and deputy lead shepherd of APEC's Energy Working Group (EWG), Mr Barry Chu, delivered the closing remarks. He emphasised that combating climate change, which is not only a task for a few economies but an ongoing global mission. Hong Kong, China would continue to work closely with colleagues in APEC's EWG and its expert groups to contribute to the refinement of energy modelling. He encouraged APEC member economies to utilise energy modelling to accelerate the progress toward achieving APEC's energy goals.
SEE begins visit to three cities in Greater Bay Area (with photos)
7.8.2023

âThe Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, together with the Legislative Council Panel on Environmental Affairs, today (August 7) began a duty visit to three cities in the Greater Bay Area. The delegation first visited the Department of Ecology and Environment of Guangdong Province and met with representatives on work related to ecological conservation, environmental pollution prevention, combating climate change, etc, with a view to deepening the exchanges and co-operation between the two places on environmental issues. In the afternoon, the delegation visited the Yanling new energy eco-industrial park and Guangzhou public transport command center of the Guangzhou Public Transport Group. They received a briefing from a representative on the operation of electric public transport and electric taxis, as well as their charging facilities, and thus learned about Guangzhou's experiences and practices for the purpose of promoting the development of green public transport in Hong Kong. Mr Tse pointed out that transportation accounts for about 20 per cent of Hong Kong's total carbon emissions, and the development of green and low-carbon transport is crucial to achieving carbon neutrality. The Government has announced the Hong Kong Roadmap on Popularisation of Electric Vehicles, the Clean Air Plan for Hong Kong 2035, and Hong Kong's Climate Action Plan 2050 successively. These initiatives cover policy directions and future targets in various areas promoting the adoption of new energy transport technologies so as to guide Hong Kong towards zero vehicular emissions before 2050. Mr Tse and the delegation will continue their visit to the Greater Bay Area tomorrow (August 8), including visits to the Nanhai Hydrogen Center and hydrogen fuel cell tram in Gaoming district in Foshan, and the exhibition hall of Huawei Digital Power AntoHill Headquarters in Shenzhen.
Advisory Council on the Environment's statement on Bryde's whale incident
7.8.2023

The following press release is issued on behalf of the Advisory Council on the Environment: The Advisory Council on the Environment (ACE) is saddened by the recent discovery of the carcass of a young Bryde's whale in the waters near Port Shelter in Sai Kung. The ACE noted that the Secretary for the Environment and Ecology and the relevant departments have spoken and issued press releases on the subject matter. The ACE is also aware of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD)'s and the relevant experts' efforts in monitoring and striving to tackle the issue through stepping up patrols, publicity, public education, etc, since the report of the sighting of the Bryde's whale. There were also attempts to explore ways to help the whale leave the shallow waters of Hong Kong in consultation with the experts. The ACE is in support of the four tasks announced by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology aiming to prevent recurrence of similar events in the future, which included strengthening public education, formulating a set of protocols to handle similar situations, learning from the experience of other places and reviewing and modifying the law. While understanding that law amendments will take time, the ACE hopes that the relevant departments will endeavour to implement some short-term solutions and feasible measures for handling different species that may enter the Hong Kong waters. The ACE spokesman said, "Some people were excited about the sighting of the Bryde's whale and might have sailed the sea to watch the whale out of curiosity, posing pressure and threats to the young Bryde's whale. This unfortunate incident has taught us a valuable lesson with which the general public would resonate, that is, understanding human beings should abide by the laws of nature. After this incident, we should strengthen our understanding and conservation of the nature, learn to be members who respect and live harmoniously with the nature, and give all fauna and flora species the space they need to grow in a natural way based on the principles of understanding and mutual respect. Apart from the above, we should also enhance our learning through different channels, such as by participating in the Orienteering into the Country Parks, public guided tours and public workshops organised by the AFCD, or browsing its Hong Kong Biodiversity Online; understand more about and cherish the natural treasures of Hong Kong; and strengthen the protection and conservation of biodiversity."
SEE visits three cities in Greater Bay Area and Zhejiang Province
6.8.2023

âThe Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, will depart for a five-day visit tomorrow (August 7) to three cities in the Greater Bay Area, namely Guangzhou, Foshan and Shenzhen, and Zhejiang Province. Mr Tse, together with the Legislative Council Panel on Environmental Affairs, will conduct a duty visit to the three cities in the Greater Bay Area from August 7 to 9. The delegation will first visit Guangzhou to meet with representatives of the Department of Ecology and Environment of Guangdong Province with a view to deepening the exchanges and co-operation between the two places on environmental issues. The delegation will then visit the Yanling new energy eco-industrial park and Guangzhou public transport command center of the Guangzhou Public Transport Group, the Nanhai Hydrogen Center and hydrogen fuel cell tram in Gaoming district in Foshan, and the exhibition hall of Huawei Digital Power AntoHill Headquarters, Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant and Nanshan Energy Eco-Park in Shenzhen, to gain an in-depth understanding of the latest development of new-energy transport, new-energy technology and waste incineration for electricity generation on the Mainland. Mr Tse will depart for Zhejiang Province on the evening of August 9 (Wednesday) to continue his visit. He will visit the flexible high voltage direct current transmission project and the offshore electricity transmission research base in Zhejiang Province, to learn about the latest development of electricity technology on the Mainland. The Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Environment), Miss Janice Tse, and officers from the Environment and Ecology Bureau will also join the visit. Mr Tse will return to Hong Kong on August 11. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong, will be the Acting Secretary for Environment and Ecology.
Happy Hong Kong - A and F Carnival: Lok Fu Fishermen's and Farmers' Market starts today (with photos)
29.7.2023

âThe Happy Hong Kong - A and F Carnival: Lok Fu Fishermen's and Farmers' Market organised by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), Fish Marketing Organization and Vegetable Marketing Organization, and co-organised by the Hong Kong Fishermen Consortium, is being held at Zone A and Zone B, Lok Fu Place today and tomorrow (July 29 and 30). The Fishermen's and Farmers' Market where an array of high-quality local fisheries and agricultural products are put on sale. The Acting Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong, together with the Legislative Council Member Mr Steven Ho; the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Dr Leung Siu-fai and other guests officiated at the opening ceremony today (July 29). More than ten fisheries and agricultural stalls have been set up in the Fishermen's and Farmers' Market. Members of the public can purchase a variety of local fisheries and agricultural products. The event also offers spectacular stage performances, upcycling workshops and booth games on the theme of local fisheries and agriculture with environmental protection elements to bring delightful experience to the public. For more information about the Happy Hong Kong - A and F Carnival: Lok Fu Fishermen's and Farmers' Market, visit the AFCD website ( www.afcd.gov.hk/english ) or its Facebook page ( www.facebook.com/afcdgovhk ). The AFCD runs a series of activities, including the Fishermen's and Farmers' Market, under the Happy Hong Kong - A and F Carnival to promote local agriculture and fisheries, and bring more joy to the community. For the latest event updates of the Happy Hong Kong - A and F Carnival, visit the thematic website ( www.happyhk.gov.hk ), and the dedicated event pages on some social media platforms.
SEE concludes visit to Guangzhou and Zhaoqing (with photos)
20.7.2023

âThe Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, concluded his visit to Guangzhou and Zhaoqing today (July 20). Mr Tse visited Nansha District of Guangzhou yesterday morning (July 19). He first visited a high-rise pig farm to learn about the technology and operation of modernised pig farms. The pig farm is currently the highest livestock complex in Guangdong Province. Thereafter, he also visited a vegetable farm and received a briefing from a representative of the farm on their advanced facilities and agricultural product safety tracking system. Yesterday afternoon, Mr Tse visited the Guangdong International Fishery High Tech Park and exchanged views on aquaculture, recreational fishing, integrated training and services schemes, etc. He also learnt about the high-density closed recirculating aquaculture system adopted in the Park. Thereafter, he visited the Vegetable Basket Project (Zengcheng) Customs Clearance Facilitation Zone of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). The Zone, which came into operation in mid-2020, aims to strengthen the co-operation in the food safety of agricultural products in the GBA and enhance the quality of agricultural products. Mr Tse visited Conghua Racecourse this morning together with the Director-General of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Guangdong Province, Mr Liu Zonghui; the Executive Director of Corporate Affairs of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Raymond Tam; and the Executive Director of Racing of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Andrew Harding, to exchange views on deepening co-operation between the Mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government on matters such as developing the GBA's equine industry. Conghua Racecourse is the first thoroughbred horse training centre and a racecourse on the Mainland that meets the highest world standards, providing a support base for horses in Hong Kong to travel along the biosecurity passage between Hong Kong and the Equine Disease Free Zone in Conghua for training purposes. Mr Tse returned to Hong Kong this afternoon.
SEE begins visit in Guangzhou and Zhaoqing (with photos)
18.7.2023

âThe Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, began his visit in Guangzhou and Zhaoqing today (July 18). Mr Tse first visited the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Guangdong Province. He met with officials to exchange views on development of agriculture and fisheries and better seizing development opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, including aquaculture in the Greater Bay Area, multi-storey livestock farming and the equine industry in the Greater Bay Area, with a view to continuing to strengthen the exchanges and co-operation between Guangdong and Hong Kong. In the afternoon, Mr Tse visited a high-rise pig farm in Huadu District in Guangzhou and received a briefing on technologies and operation of the multi-storey livestock farm facilities. Thereafter, he visited the aquaculture farm of Guanxing (Zhaoqing) Agricultural Technology Co. Ltd, to learn about the latest developments in aquaponic container farming. This farm in Dinghu District in Zhaoqing is a "National New Aquaculture Standard Demonstration Area" and adopts a container recirculating aquaculture system. Mr Tse will continue his visit to Guangzhou tomorrow (July 19), including visiting the Guangdong International Fishery High Tech Park and the Vegetable Basket Project (Zengcheng) Customs Clearance Facilitation Zone of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. He will visit the Conghua Racecourse the next day with representatives of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
SEE visits Guangzhou and Zhaoqing
17.7.2023

âThe Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, will depart for a visit to Guangzhou and Zhaoqing tomorrow (July 18). During his stay, Mr Tse will visit the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Guangdong Province to strengthen the exchanges and co-operation in agriculture and fisheries between Guangdong and Hong Kong. He will also visit the aquaculture farm of Guanxing (Zhaoqing) Agricultural Technology Co. Ltd, the Guangdong International Fishery High Tech Park, the Vegetable Basket Project (Zengcheng) Customs Clearance Facilitation Zone of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Conghua Racecourse, etc to learn about the latest developments in related industries. The Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Food), Miss Vivian Lau, the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Dr Leung Siu-fai, and officers from the Environment and Ecology Bureau and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department will also join the visit. Mr Tse will return to Hong Kong in the evening on July 20. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong, will be the Acting Secretary for Environment and Ecology.