The Greater Bay Area (GBA) demonstrates a robust commitment to environmental sustainability and technological innovation, creating a fertile ground for collaborative efforts. Recently, PolyU signed two Memoranda of Understanding – one with China Southern Power Grid Company (CSG) and another with CLP Power. These partnerships aim to cultivate talent and foster technological innovation, propelling the advancement of the energy and power sectors within the GBA.

Driving energy innovation with CSG

Prof. Christopher Chao, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) (left, back row) and Mr Liu Qihong, Director and Deputy Party Secretary of CSG (right, back row), witnessed Prof. Chung Chi-yung, Head of PolyU’s Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (left, front row) and Mr Zhan Xiaohui, Assistant General Manager and Director of Human Resources Department of CSG (right, front row), signing the MoU, heralding a new chapter of partnership between PolyU and CSG.

The partnership will focus on talent development, technological innovation, and knowledge exchange. A joint talent base will nurture master’s and doctoral engineering students, focusing on emerging fields like new power systems, AI in power, and smart grid technologies. To promote collaboration, the initiative will host high-level forums and innovation competitions, and develop innovative courses in smart grid technologies to enhance the practical application of related curricula.

Empowering future engineers with CLP Power

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Prof. Christopher Chao, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) (left, back row) and Mr Joseph Law, Managing Director of CLP Power (right, back row). The MoU was signed by Prof. Chung Chi-yung (left, front row), Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Chair Professor of Power Systems Engineering and Director of the Research Centre for Grid Modernisation of PolyU, and Mr Paul Tomlinson (right, front row), Chief Operations and Transformation Officer of CLP Power.

The collaboration between PolyU and CLP Power aims to advance education and innovative research in electrical engineering. Both organisations will leverage their strengths to cultivate talent and promote technological development in Hong Kong and the GBA. They plan to use advanced technologies, such as the metaverse, VR and AR, to create innovative digital training materials for students and industry practitioners. Students from PolyU’s Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering will gain practical exposure to the power industry, enhancing their theoretical and practical skills. Additionally, both organisations will explore academic and research collaboration opportunities.

The partnership with CLP Power integrates academic theory with practical experience, enhancing students’ understanding of the power industry and fostering communication between researchers and industry experts. It also provides opportunities for innovative technology applications. To ensure Hong Kong’s electricity supply reliability, cultivating a steady supply of skilled professionals is essential. Through these partnerships, PolyU aims to develop future industry leaders and support sustainable growth in the power sector.