Embrace China's world-leading charge in green power, HK urged

Ayra Wang

China has become the global leader in nuclear power and electric vehicles and Hongkongers should be confident about their city's future and take advantage of the country's development, says CLP chairman Michael Kadoorie.

The 83-year-old tycoon, born and raised in Hong Kong, praised China's rapid development over the past seven decades and its current leading position in nuclear energy and electric vehicles as the nation approaches its 75th anniversary.

"China is growing so quickly. If you look at just the past 10 years, you would never guess that the progress which has been achieved so far has been accelerated to such an extreme," Kadoorie said.

"You now have China at the forefront of electric cars and in [nuclear] energy. China is ahead of the world."

The utility giant entered the mainland market in the late 1970s, beginning by supplying electricity to Guangdong through an interconnection with the Guangdong Power Grid.

In 1985, CLP started building the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station in Shenzhen alongside the Guangdong Nuclear Investment Company.

The station has since been delivering 80 percent of energy it is generating to Hong Kong throughout the past 30 years.

"Many other important joint ventures have taken place since and we are delighted to be - in a small measure - part of the growth in the mainland," he said.

Kadoorie described the Daya Bay nuclear plant as an "extremely successful joint venture" with mainland power companies and that CLP has built a strong relationship of trust with mainland energy authorities and suppliers over their 40 years of cooperation.

"There is a feeling of being complementary, being able to provide something which is not available at home," he said.

"We've learned that cooperation benefits everyone, both the mainland and Hong Kong."

Kadoorie recalled his visit last year to Beijing with the CLP delegation, where he was received by Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office director Xia Baolong.

"Beijing wants the very best for Hong Kong and they always wish for Hong Kong to prosper," Kadoorie said.

He added that the central government hopes Hongkongers can "stand on their own feet" and contribute to the country, and that Beijing will spare no expense to help Hong Kong. Kadoorie added: "We should have confidence in what we do. That comfort of confidence will allow us to think ahead and plan for the next 10 or even 50 years."

He encouraged Hong Kong youngsters to seize "terrific" opportunities and freedoms that are not available in other parts of the world in exploring their careers.

They can find their future in Hong Kong with confidence and without having to be channeled in one direction or another, Kadoorie said.

"Hong Kong is small but flexible," he added.

" We've always had wonderfully agile and energetic people here and should never underrate that."

CLP is also looking at different opportunities with mainland authorities to channel in more nuclear energy to help Hong Kong achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Michael's 32-year-old son Philip Kadoorie, CLP's nonexecutive director, said the company will look to extend the use of the Daya Bay nuclear plant and explore future possibilities to develop green hydrogen in the mainland.

"China has great ambitions in building nuclear power as they are employing fourth-generation nuclear power plant technology, which was domestically developed, and they know how to put it together and do it safely," he said.

He said the company will continue to work as an "ambassador" to introduce the advantages of Hong Kong and the mainland to global investors.

ayra.wang@singtaonewscorp.com