The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Shenzhen Municipal Government launched the first major technology co-operation project under the “Shenzhen Hong Kong Innovation Circle” to establish a Solar Energy Research and Industrial Platform in collaboration with DuPont.

According to the letters of intent signed on May 5, 2008, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation will take the lead to establish a Solar Energy R&D Support Centre at the Hong Kong Science Park to assist the development of solar energy and related technologies in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta region. DuPont will join the centre as the first anchor tenant by locating its Global Thin Film Photovoltaic Business/ R&D Centre in the Hong Kong Science Park. At the same time, the Shenzhen Municipal Government will collaborate with Hong Kong to provide land and other facilities to support the downstream development and manufacturing of solar energy products.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Hong Kong Financial Secretary Mr. John C. Tsang said: “Solar energy is a clean and sustainable energy source. The development of solar energy will help reduce the use of fossil fuels in the generation of electricity. This will help reduce air pollution and the effects of global warming. The joint Solar Energy Research and Industrial Platform is a major co-operation initiative between Hong Kong and Shenzhen to improve the environment and promote the development of renewable energy.

“We are pleased that DuPont has chosen to locate its Global Thin Film Photovoltaic Business/ R&D Centre in Hong Kong. The decision reinforces our position as a prime location for innovation and technology-based companies in the region,” said Mr. Tsang.

“The latest studies show that there is a growing global demand for the use of renewable energy including solar energy. This joint project will help meet this demand and bring about significant economic benefits to Hong Kong as it will create new job opportunities and spur further technological developments in this field,” Mr. Frederick Ma, Hong Kong Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development said.