Speech by SEE at thematic session one of APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting in Beijing
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, at Thematic Session 1: Energy for All of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Energy Ministerial Meeting held in Beijing today (September 11):
Good morning, Chair and fellow colleagues.
As a vibrant metropolis and a leading international financial centre, Hong Kong, China attaches great importance to ensuring a safe, reliable and affordable energy supply to sustain its economic activity and daily operation.
Hong Kong, China is a small and mountainous city with no local energy resources. Apart from a small amount of renewable energy, Hong Kong must rely on imported fuels. The two power companies of Hong Kong, China import fuel from diverse sources globally and maintain a stable energy supply.
Hong Kong, China's electricity market is regulated through the Scheme of Control Agreements (the Agreements) signed between the Government and the two power companies. The Agreements set out the obligations of the power companies, and the framework for the Government to monitor the companies' financial, technical and environmental performances. Under this framework, Hong Kong, China enjoys one of the most reliable energy supplies in the world
To protect electricity consumers, the Government of Hong Kong, China examines the tariff proposal of the power companies through an annual tariff review. Our electricity tariff is generally affordable. In general, the spending of households on electricity bills only account for about 2 per cent of their expenditure. In response to the rising fuel prices due to the recent geopolitical uncertainty, the power companies are putting in place energy-saving rebates and concessionary tariff schemes to assist the underprivileged, and drive behavioral changes in energy saving.
The Government also requires the power companies to provide support measures to NGOs (non-governmental organisations), elderlies and the disabled through a Community Energy Saving Fund. These measures ensure that energy is accessible and affordable to all segments of society.
As a coastal city with hundreds of outlying islands, Hong Kong, China is committed to ensuring universal energy access, leaving no one behind. The power company is rolling out pilot renewable energy schemes to provide supply to a remote island off the electricity grid.
Hong Kong, China will continue to explore new energy solutions in accordance with the city's long-term development needs, with a view to maintaining a stable and safe energy supply and contributing to the sustainable development of the APEC region.
Thank you.
Speech by SEE at thematic session one of APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting in Beijing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
LegCo Members visit Kwu Tung North New Development Area in Northern Metropolis
The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The President of Legislative Council (LegCo), Dr Starry Lee, as well as members of LegCo Panel on Development and other Members conducted the third visit to the Northern Metropolis (NM) today (September 10) to gain insight into the latest planning and development of the Kwu Tung North (KTN) New Development Area (NDA), the efforts to conserve the ecology of and historic buildings in NM, and the Administration's measures to promote urban-rural integration.
Accompanied by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, and the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, Members first observed the construction sites of the public housing estate Kwu Chun Estate, several private housing projects, and the MTR Kwu Tung Station at the newly constructed Road P1 in the KTN NDA. They were also briefed by the Administration on the overall planning and development concepts of the KTN NDA, as well as the latest development progress of housing, transport infrastructure, and the Government joint-user complex and general office building in the district.
Members learnt that Kwu Chun Estate is among the first batch of public rental housing projects in the NDAs of the NM, with phase one comprising about 5 000 units that will be ready for intake in phases starting from the end of this year. The Kwu Tung Station is also expected to commence service in 2027. Members exchanged views with government officials on the construction of community facilities, such as markets, shopping centres, public transport facilities and schools in the NDA, and urged the Administration to ensure that community facilities are in place when residents start to move in to meet the needs of local residents.
Members also visited the Sik Sik Yuen Lady Ho Tung Welfare Centre Eco-Learn Institute in Kwu Tung. Built in 1933, the Lady Ho Tung Welfare Centre provided medical services to local villagers until its closure in 2005. The Centre was subsequently accorded Grade II historic building status, and then revitalised into an ecological learning institute in 2023. Members toured the ecology and cultural history exhibition hall and the outdoor areas, which features facilities including an eco-pond and a Chinese medical herbs garden. Members were also briefed by the Administration on policies regarding revitalisation and conservation of historic buildings, as well as the revitalisation and conservation process of the Institute.
Accompanied by the Acting Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong, Members also visited the Long Valley Nature Park and the nearby Yin Kong Village to learn about the Government's efforts to promote urban-rural integration and ecological conservation in the NM. Members noted that, to promote urban-rural integration in the NM, the Governmentproposed establishing a $200 million "NM Urban-Rural Integration Fund" as a pilot scheme to support non-governmental organisations to take forward urban-rural integration projects, as well as piloting the relaxation of planning restrictions on "Village Type Development" in Yin Kong Village, allowing houses within the village to be converted into restaurants, retail shops or guesthouses, with a view to boosting economic activities in villages and tourism development.
Members welcomed the Administration's implementation of various measures to promote integration of villages and NDAs when planning the NDAs in the NM. They exchanged views with the representatives of the Government on how to assist villagers in retrofitting their houses for engaging in economic activities, as well as the infrastructure upgrading works, such as transport and sewerage, required to cope with the additional economic activities.
A total of 64 Members attended the visit. In addition to members of the Panel on Development, other non-members also attended.
Click here to watch the video highlight of today's visit.
LegCo Members visit Kwu Tung North New Development Area in Northern Metropolis Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
LegCo Members visit Kwu Tung North New Development Area in Northern Metropolis Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
LegCo Members visit Kwu Tung North New Development Area in Northern Metropolis Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
LegCo Members visit Kwu Tung North New Development Area in Northern Metropolis Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
LegCo Members visit Kwu Tung North New Development Area in Northern Metropolis Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
LegCo Members visit Kwu Tung North New Development Area in Northern Metropolis Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
