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As Hong Kong’s skyline glows brighter than ever, HK Electric celebrated a remarkable milestone on Thursday with its 135th Anniversary Engineering Conference, themed “When Tradition Meets Technology.”
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The event brought together more than 100 leaders from government, business, engineering, and academia to reflect on the company’s legacy and its vision for a sustainable, low-carbon future.
Held in Hong Kong, the conference was officiated by Lam Ching-choi, Executive Council member and Chairman of the Council for Carbon Neutrality and Sustainable Development; Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan; Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services Poon Kwok-ying; and HK Electric Managing Director Francis C.Y. Cheng.
Three panel discussions explored topics ranging from Hong Kong’s energy evolution to innovation and climate action.
In his welcoming speech, Cheng said HK Electric’s 135-year story was deeply intertwined with the city’s growth.
“The story of HK Electric is one of walking hand-in-hand with Hong Kong,” he said. “We drive transformation through innovation, protect the environment through action, and illuminate every step of the city’s journey with a sense of responsibility.”
Lam commended HK Electric’s leadership in advancing smart grids and supporting Hong Kong’s carbon-neutrality goals.
“The city’s path to carbon neutrality hinges on the power of innovation and cross-sector collaboration,” he said, adding that HK Electric has been a consistent driver of progress and sustainability.
Tse praised the company’s role in Hong Kong’s low-carbon transition, noting its achievements in replacing coal with natural gas, developing solar power, and promoting renewable energy. He highlighted future collaboration to introduce zero-carbon electricity through regional partnerships.
Meanwhile, Poon of the EMSD applauded HK Electric’s efforts to combine innovation with reliability.
“We are pleased to see HK Electric not only maintaining a stable and reliable power supply, but also driving innovations and continuously pursuing cleaner generation and decarbonisation,” he said.
The conference also drew support from major organisations including the Airport Authority, MTR Corporation, Swire Properties, and Towngas, which shared insights on sustainable development and technological advancement.
From lighting up the first batch of electric streetlamps in Central in 1890 to achieving a world-class supply reliability rate of over 99.9999 percent today, HK Electric has remained a cornerstone of the city’s development.
Recent initiatives include smart-grid upgrades, cable monitoring technology, and research into green hydrogen and energy storage — all aligning with Hong Kong’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality before 2050.
In closing, Cheng reaffirmed the company’s mission to innovate responsibly.
“HK Electric will continue to uphold its founding mission, innovate alongside the community, and rise to every challenge, powering Hong Kong’s future towards a more resilient and sustainable tomorrow.”
To commemorate the anniversary, HK Electric launched a new publication — HK Electric: The Endeavour Behind High Supply Reliability — documenting its engineering achievements and dedication to knowledge sharing.
The company also unveiled the 135th Anniversary Historical Corner at its Kennedy Road headquarters, featuring over 100 historical photos, documents, and artefacts. Among them are electricity meters from decades past, the original board meeting minutes from over a century ago, and a plaque honouring staff who defended the North Point Power Station during World War II — poignant reminders of a company that has grown with, and for, Hong Kong for more than a century.
marco.lam@singtaonewscorp.com
