The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), a conglomerate company and the Research Institute of Science and Technology entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The purpose of the MoU is to collaborate on research projects focused on carbon neutrality and sustainability, as well as talent development and start-up initiatives. Additionally, a framework agreement was established to facilitate the creation of the CR-PolyU Joint Research Institute for Carbon Neutral New Materials.
Witnessed by the Chairman of the conglomerate, the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Council Chairman of PolyU and the President of PolyU.
The agreement was signed by the Assistant General Manager of the conglomerate, the Chairman and CEO of the conglomerate, and the Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU.
The Chairman of the conglomerate stated that the collaboration leverages the extensive industrial resources of the conglomerate, along with the strong scientific research capabilities and technology of PolyU. The goal is to apply research findings in new materials to various industries while establishing an integrated research centre that combines industry, academia, and research.
This new centre will facilitate commercial transformation and support the incubation of startup projects. With the backdrop of the Nation’s active promotion of the dual-carbon policy and the need for new industrialisation in Hong Kong, this collaboration aims to drive demand-oriented development, enhance the integration of production and application, and establish a solid research foundation in material science, sustainable development, and other research areas. The ultimate objective is to advance technological research and development, introduce new products and business models, and foster an environment of open innovation.
According to the President of PolyU, this collaboration aims to foster talent development among researchers and facilitate the transfer of knowledge. The partnership will offer external opportunities for graduate students from PolyU to engage in exchange programs and collaborative initiatives. Additionally, the conglomerate will extend incubation support to startups originating from PolyU. These efforts contribute towards the goal of establishing Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology hub within the Greater Bay Area.
In the future, the two will collaborate on conducting frontier technology research and targeted subject-specific innovation in fundamental areas through the joint research institute platform. This partnership aims to attract researchers and provide support for the incubation of scientific and technological innovation startup projects in the field of sustainable development.
In 2021, the Hong Kong Government unveiled the Climate Action Plan 2050, which presents a vision of a “Sustainable Development‧Liveable City‧Zero-carbon Emissions.” The plan outlines the strategies and objectives aimed at addressing climate change and attaining carbon neutrality.
Over the next 15 to 20 years, approximately HK$240 billion will be allocated by the Government to implement a range of initiatives focused on mitigating and adapting to climate change. To enhance coordination and advance deep decarbonisation efforts, the Environment Bureau will establish a new Office of Climate Change and Carbon Neutrality. Additionally, a specialised advisory committee on combating climate change will be formed to foster active participation in climate actions from various sectors in the community, including young people.
According to Hong Kong’s Secretary for the Environment, in 2019, the largest contributor to carbon emissions in Hong Kong was electricity generation, accounting for 66%, followed by transport at 18%and waste at 7%. As a result, the focus of decarbonisation efforts in Hong Kong will primarily be on these three key areas.
The newly unveiled plan highlights four major strategies and measures for achieving carbon neutrality: net-zero electricity generation, energy conservation and the promotion of green buildings, sustainable transportation, and waste reduction. These initiatives aim to guide Hong Kong towards its goal of becoming a carbon-neutral city.
