Energising moment: Chief Executive Donald Tsang (fourth left) and Shenzhen's mayor Xu Zongheng (second left) officiate at the opening ceremony.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang has launched a thin film photovoltaic research & development centre - part of the first major technology project in co-operation with the Shenzhen municipal government under the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Innovation Circle.

He officiated at the opening of the DuPont Apollo Global Thin Film Photovoltaic Business Headquarters and R&D Centre and the Hong Kong Science Park Solar Energy Technology Support Centre at the Science Park today.

The centre's purpose is to establish a solar energy research and industrial platform in collaboration with DuPont.

Its opening is the result of close co-operation between DuPont and the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation to undertake and facilitate R&D work in this area, Mr Tsang said, adding he is excited about this project.

"The research to be carried out here in the new centres will not be pie-in-the-sky, theoretical research but practical feet-on-the-ground research and development. The work here will result in fully realised products to make the widespread use of solar energy a reality," he said.

Goal: clean, renewable energy

"These products will help generate electricity in a sustainable way and at higher efficiency levels than the alternatives that are currently available. This is vitally important for the simple reason that solar energy is one of the most promising forms of clean and renewable energy. The wider use of solar energy will lessen our dependence on fossil fuels and reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted from conventional power plants."

This will help Hong Kong achieve the goal of becoming a low-carbon economy and a green example in the Pearl River Delta, he noted.

The centre is also a real symbol that Hong Kong and Shenzhen are working together for the common good of the citizens in both places, to create more jobs and greater prospects.

He stressed the Hong Kong government would continue to promote the development and use of clean energy sources at every opportunity.

To see the full text of his speech, click here.