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PolyU, XJTU, State Grid and HK Electric extend collaboration on “Belt and Road Advanced Programme in Power and Energy”

20 Jun 2024

Prof. H.C. Man (left, upper row), Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of PolyU; Prof. Guan Xiaohong (right, upper row), Academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Dean of the Faculty of Electronic and Information Engineering of XJTU; Mr Du Jun (left, bottom row), President of SGTC; and Mr Francis C. Y. Cheng (right, bottom row), Managing Director of HK Electric sign a Memorandum of Understanding for the extended collaboration on “Belt and Road Advanced Programme in Power and Energy”.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU), the State Grid Corporation of China (State Grid), and The Hongkong Electric Company, Limited (HK Electric) have announced the extension of their collaborative programme “Belt and Road Advanced Programme in Power and Energy” for four more years.

In the new phase until 2028, the goal is not only to further enhance efficiency and drive innovation in the power industry, but also to conduct on-site research in Belt and Road countries and regions to develop the most suitable solutions for local power infrastructure and system operations. This will help propel economic growth, taking into consideration geographical environments and technological capabilities.

The Programme (previously named “Belt and Road Advanced Professional Development Programme in Power and Energy”), which was developed in support of the Mainland’s calls for high-quality Belt and Road co-operation, has been co-organised for the past six years by the four founding parties. So far, it has trained over 800 professionals from over 20 countries and regions to support the development of the Belt and Road Initiative. Through this extended partnership, the two universities and the two power companies in Mainland China and Hong Kong will continue to join hands, providing cutting-edge training and professional development opportunities in the power and energy sector. The Programme includes thematic seminars on the latest industry and research developments, cultural visits, and tours to advanced power plants and state-of-the-art research establishments in Jinan, Xi’an and Hong Kong.

Prof. H.C. MAN, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of PolyU said, “PolyU is committed to contributing our research and knowledge to the development of the Belt and Road region. The extended four-year agreement is a testament to this strategic priority, as we harness our collective expertise to drive breakthrough innovations in green energy. The Programme provides an invaluable platform for researchers and senior leaders across the region to engage in deep exchanges on critical energy challenges and solutions. We are excited to further strengthen these collaborative ties to tackle the shared goal of a sustainable energy future.”

Prof. GUAN Xiaohong, Academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Dean of the Faculty of Electronic and Information Engineering of XJTU said, “The innovation of electric power and energy technologies is important to the development of green energies, economy, and new quality productive forces. It is an important link connecting the Belt and Road countries and regions. The continued implementation of this project is of great significance. The renewal of this agreement will promote deeper cooperation among all partners in the future, contribute to mutual development in the area of power and energy, and provide strong support for all four parties to respond to and implement the Belt and Road initiative.”

Mr Du JUN, President of State Grid of China Technology College (SGTC) said, “Over the past six years, we are pleased that the four parties have developed and cultivated a successful bondage. The Programme has setup a model for university-enterprise and Mainland China-Hong Kong collaboration in service of the Belt and Road Initiative, allowing energy and power industry stakeholders from Belt and Road countries and regions to gain in-depth understanding of China’s power and energy landscape. Looking ahead, we aspire to continue staying attuned to emerging trends in global energy governance. A key focus will be supporting China’s carbon neutrality goals through expanded, high-quality branded and serialised exchange programmes. Through path of cross-border cooperation, we are committed to leveraging this platform to further the Belt and Road’s mission of strengthening regional economic, energy, and sustainability ties.”

Mr Francis C. Y. CHENG, Managing Director of HK Electric said, “It is challenging to supply electricity to a densely populated city like Hong Kong. Responding to different conditions and difficulties, we have developed a transmission and distribution system that is best suited to a metropolis like Hong Kong, comprising mainly of submarine and underground cables as well as cable tunnels. The main challenge for the global power and utilities industry is how to strengthen the power grid to withstand increasingly frequent extreme weather events. We look forward to sharing our unique experience gained over the years with those participating in the programme, while at the same time, learning from their experiences and insights to further enhance our power system.”

The Programme was first launched in 2018 to support the training and upskilling of industry professionals from Belt and Road participating countries. Today, it has become a leading global hub for capacity building of the power and energy sectors arising from the Belt and Road Initiative.

[From PolyU Media Release (English) | (Chinese)]