Events

Past Events

“The 7th International Conference on Hydrogen and Clean Energy to Net Zero”(1-2 Dec 2022)

AERC was invited by the Energy Institute (Hong Kong) Branch and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University to co-organize “The 7th International Conference on Hydrogen and Clean Energy to Net Zero” on 1-2 Dec 2022. The Sixth IPCC Assessment Report released on 9th August 2021 warns that it is only possible to avoid global warming of 1.5oC or 2oC if massive and immediate cut in greenhouse gas emissions is made. While Hong Kong being the foremost internationalized city in China also vows to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. To achieve these challenging goals, researchers and technical experts are exploring various zero carbon energy resources, among which hydrogen utilization is one of the promising alternatives. This international conference will bring together policy makers, scientists, researchers, academia, engineers, green groups, and other stakeholders for knowledge and experience sharing of their recent advancements in these areas. Policy makers, in particular, are invited to chart the policy directives in carbon neutrality in the region as well. 180+ participants from Hong Kong and overseas attended this conference.

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“The First Asia-Pacific Building Commissioning Symposium”(22 May 2021)

AERC was invited by the Building Services Commissioning Association and Department of Architecture of University of Tokyo from Japan, together with the Research Institute for Smart Energy of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China Professional Committee of Building Commissioning (Cx) and Operation of China Association of Building Energy Efficiency to co-organize “The First Asia-Pacific Building Commissioning Symposium” on 22 May 2021. Cx has already become widespread in European countries and the United States, but it is still not fully utilized in Asian countries and regions. This symposium aims to share the information on Cx cases, researches, businesses, and regulations that Asia-Pacific countries and regions are undertaking, and to contribute solving environmental issues through the promotion of Cx which is appropriate to each business custom. 130+ participants from China, Hong Kong and Japan attended this symposium.

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Seminar on “Electrochemical Device Across Length-scales: From Electrodes to Battery Packs/Fuel Cell Stacks”(18 Sep 2019)

AERC invited Dr Billy Wu from the Imperial College London to give a seminar on zinc-air based batteries and fuel cells. Dr. Wu presented findings on how in-situ and ex-situ x-ray computed tomography can be used to understand microstructural features which define the performance and lifetime in high energy density battery systems and hydrogen fuel cells. This includes in-situ synchrotron studies of zinc dendrite formation and dissolution and lab-source based studies of electrode-current collector delamination in silicon based anodes. He also discussed the microstructural characterisation of novel fibre-based electrodes for solid-solid fuel cells, a novel nature inspired 3D printed fractal based proton exchange membrane fuel cell flow field and passive supercapacitor hybridisation of a 9 kW fuel cell system. 28+ participants from academics attended this seminar.

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Forum on “Practical Solutions of Solar Energy in Hong Kong”(15 Jun 2019)

AERC and HKGSA jointly organized a forum on “Practical Solutions of Solar Energy in Hong Kong” to provide a platform for academics, consultants and engineering professionals to share views on the Hong Kong Climate Change Action Plan 2030+ and the Feed-In Tariff (Fit) Scheme which has been officially launched in 2018. Mr Alfred Sit, Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services (EMSD), Professor Yang Hongxing, Head of Renewable Energy Research Energy Research Group (RERG) in the Department of Building Services Engineering from Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Ir Kin WK Leung, Head of Customer Business Development from Hong Kong Electric and Ir Thomas Chu, from CLP Power Hong Kong were invited as the speakers of this forum. Successful RE projects were showcased. Speakers also shared the difficulties encountered in practical solar RE system planning and implementation processes, as well as the suggest ways forward to further enhance the FiT Scheme to better fulfill its original objectives. 180+ participants from government, academia and industry attended the forum.

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Technical Seminar on “Hydrogen Economy in Hong Kong”(15 Jun 2019)

With the increasing public awareness for the significant role of Hydrogen in renewable energy development, AERC, EIHK and Power Assets Holdings Ltd jointly organized a technical seminar on “Hydrogen Economy in Hong Kong”. Five invited speakers, including Director of AERC, Professor Phil Taylor from New Castle University, Mr Mark Horsley from Northern Gas Networks, Miss Catherine Spriggs from Health & Safety Executive (UK), Mr Alfred Wong from the Hong Kong Ballard Power System presented topics related to the latest development of Hydrogen Energy in UK and HK. Hydrogen safety research on establishing safety case for hydrogen in GB gas networks and cross cutting issues into transport, advanced technologies for clean and renewable hydrogen production, and industrial perspective on hydrogen and hydrogen fuel cell were presented and discussed. 260+ participants from academics, government, consulting firms, property management companies and utilities attended this talk.

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Seminar on “Lantau Tomorrow – Is it A Great Vision” (27 Nov 2018)

AERC, HKGSA, HKIE Environmental Division, CIWEM and FHKI jointly organized a seminar on “Lantau Tomorrow – Is it A Great Vision” to provide a platform for academics, consultants and engineering professionals to share views on the Lantau Tomorrow Vision Plan which has been announced in the 2018 HKSAR Chief Executive Policy Address. Mr Robin K.B. Lee, Head of the Sustainable Lantau Office from Civil Engineering and Development Department of HKSAR Government was invited as the speakers of this seminar. Visionary plan of building Lantau as the Third Core Business District to promote economic development and enhancing environmental capacity for sustainable development, as well as the advantages and opportunities brought by this “Double Gateway” to Guangdong-Hong Kong Macao Greater Bay Area development were introduced and discussed.90+ participants from government, academia and industry attended the seminar.

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The 6th International Conference on Energy – Meeting the challenges of energy transition through multi-disciplinary collaboration (13-14 Sep 2018)

School of Energy and Environment and Energy Institute Hong Kong Branch had jointly organized the 6th International Conference on Energy- Sustainable Energy Policies and Technologies. AERC provided logistic supports for this event. The Conference was a successfully event with overwhelming responses. Over 270 participants, including local and overseas government officials, non-government organizations, industry and business sectors, academia, researchers and students participated in the conference. The Conference offered the participants an invaluable opportunity to exchange insight on how the industry is developing new technologies to meet the energy transition challenge in Hong Kong as well as USA and UK. It also facilitates regional, cross-border and multi-disciplinary collaboration of energy professionals.

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Forum on “Way forward for Hong Kong Environment Industry: From Greater Bay Area to Belt & Road” (5 May 2018)

AERC, HKGSA and BPA jointly organized a Forum on “New Energy” to provide a platform for academics, consultants and engineering professionals to share views on the way forward for local environmental industry towards the Greater Bay and Belt & Road Area. Mr Wong Kam sing, Secretary for the Environment of HKSAR Government gave an opening speech for the event. Ms Li Liping (Director of Policy Research Centre for Environmental and Economy from Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People’s Republic of China), Ir Daniel Cheng (Chairman of Hong Kong Industrial Association), Ms Tsai Qianli(Director of D&G Technology Holding Company Limited of China), and Ir Steve Wong(Director of Billion Group Technologies Limited of Hong Kong) were invited as the speakers of this forum. Topics on the local and mainland environmental protection policies, collaboration mechanisms, as well as the challenges and opportunities brought by the Greater Bay development were discussed. 185+ participants from government, academia and industry attended the forum.

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Seminar on “Towards the application of microfluidic-based power generation: fuel cells and metal-air batteries” (14 March 2018)

AERC invited Dr. WANG Yifei from the University of Hong Kong to give a seminar on novel-type fuel-breathing microfluidic fuel cell (MFC) and Al-air battery technologies. Dr. WANG presented a novel-type fuel-breathing MFC which can utilize methanol, ethanol, formic acid or hydrogen fuel with much improved energy efficiency. Dr WANG also introduced and discussed a novel-type Al-air battery utilizing paper-based microfluidics, which can achieve simplified battery system, inhibited Aluminum corrosion together with low fabrication cost. 25+ participants from academics and industries attended this seminar.

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Seminar on “Innovative Wind Turbine Design” (22 January 2018)

AERC invited Dr. CHONG Wen Tong from University of Malaya, Malaysia to give a seminar on novel wind turbine design and technologies. Prof CHONG shared various innovative design on improving the performance of existing vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) and horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs). Additionally, the speaker also presented a novel cross axis wind turbine that able to capture the wind energy from both the horizontal and vertical components of the oncoming wind. This novel cross axis wind turbine integrated design could produce a power coefficient 2.8 times higher than the vertical axis wind turbine, with increased the rotor rotational speed by 70% with well-improved starting behavior. 30+ participants from academics and industries attended this seminar.

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Seminar on “Clean energy Systems with High Renewable Energy Penetration” (31 October 2017)

AERC invited Prof YAN Jinyue, Editor-in-Chief of Applied Energy and Royal Institute of Technology & Malardalen University, Sweden to give a seminar on introducing the importance of clean energy technologies. Prof YAN reviewed the current market penetration and transition of clean energy systems and suggested the optimization solution could be achieved under the condition of high renewable energy penetration. 40+ participants from academics and industries attended this seminar.

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Seminar on “High-Temperature Electrolysis Using Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cells” (8 August 2017)

AERC invited Prof CHAN Siew Hwa from the Nanyang Technological University to give a seminar on solid oxide electrolyzer cell. Prof CHAN reviewed electrolysis of seawater and co-electrolysis of fuel gas discharged from the oxy-combustion power plant by using renewable energy which could be seen as a means to bridge the gap between the fossil fuel and non-fossil fuel economies. He also discussed the domain of applications and energy storage in gravimetric and volumetric capacities of batteries. 25+ participants from academics and industries attended this seminar.

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Technical Talk on “IAQ and Energy Saving” (29 July 2017)

AERC, EIHK, AEE and HKAEE jointly organized a technical talk on “IAQ and Energy Saving”. Five invited speakers, including Mr. Pater Beale from Sterilaire(USA), Mr. Thomas Podgurski from Royal Services(USA), Dr. Vivien Lu from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Ir Eric Lau from the Hong Kong Jockey Club and Ir Jimmy Lam from Hong Kong Baptist University presented topics related to the development and potential applications of promising energy technologies and strategies to achieve good IAQ and energy saving simultaneously. Various HVAC system designs including the latest applications on UVC, VAV and CAV devices, and others technologies such as the integrated energy management system adapted in the Hong Kong Jockey Club, and the Nano-coating glass technologies which won the Global Innovation Awards at the TechConnect World Conference and Expo 2017 were presented. 290+ participants from academics, government, consulting firms, property management companies and utilities attended this talk.

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Forum on “Hong Kong 2030+: Towards a Planning Vision and Strategy Transcending 2030”(25 February 2017)

AERC, HKGSA and HKIE Environmental Division had jointly organized a forum on “Hong Kong 2030+: Towards a Planning Vision and Strategy Transcending 2030”. This forum brought the representatives of the government, Green Group and Planning Consultants together to discuss the details and comment on this blueprint strategy for planning of Hong Kong in the next two decades. Ms Amy Cheung, Assistant Director from Planning Department of HKSARG, Dr. Ng Cho Nam form the University of Hong Kong and Mr Jim Sheerin from Arcadis Consulting Limited were invited to give a presentation in this forum and discuss their views on the planning strategy and spatial development directions beyond 2030 in the light of the dynamics and challenges ahead in Hong Kong. 70+ participants from academics and industries attended this forum.

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Technical Talks on “Energy Engineering – Challenges and Opportunities”(10 December 2016)

AERC, EI, AEE and HKAEE jointly organized a technical talk on “Energy Engineering – Challenges and Opportunities”. Director of AERC with three invited speakers, Ir Cary Chan from Hong Kong Green Building Council (HKGBC), Ir Dr. Anthony Ma from Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) and Dr Wei Minchen from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University presented on topics “Nanotechnology and Clean Energy”, “Existing Buildings Energy Saving”, “Food Waste to Biogas Technology”; and “Climate-based Daylight Analysis for Energy Efficient Building Design” respectively. Various aspects of the latest development and potential applications of promising energy technologies and strategies for improving the sustainability in energy supply and demand were discussed, including numbers of novel nanomaterials technologies and their mechanisms such as microfluidic reactor and fuel cell; “ACT Shop” program implemented by HKGBC for conducting retro-commissioning for existing buildings; “FTR Food waste Total Recycling System” for decomposing food waste into three valuable resources which developed by HKPC; and reviews on some new Climate-Based Daylight modeling-based measures and illustration on how to use a photosensor control system to estimate the possible energy saving. 260+ participants from academics, government, consulting firms, property management companies and utilities attended this talk.

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Seminar on “Light-driven environmental remediation and fuel generation via photocatalysis/photoelectrocatalysis”(22 August 2016)

AERC had invited Prof Guisheng Li from the Shanghai Normal University to give a seminar on photoelectric system construction enhancement of photocatalytic fuel cell. Prof Li had reviewed their research efforts on designing TiO2-based hybrid nanomaterial/electrodes for constructing efficient photo/photoelectric systems for degradation of pollutants diluted in water/air, H2 evolution and carbon dioxide reduction through various routes. Moreover, the potential application of photo-driven duel electrodes in photocatalytic fuel cell and the development of better photocatalysts through composition- and structure-engineering was discussed. 35+ participants from academics and industries attended this seminar.

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Seminar on “Microreactor Technology for Energy and Carbon Conversion” (10 May 2016)

AERC had invited Dr. Jin Xuan from the Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, U.K to give a seminar on application of microreactor in fuel cell research. The speaker had introduced their current research works including microreaction platform setup, numerical/theoretical modelling framework, microscale heat/mass transfer visualization, microscale interface control and intensification, as well as system scale-up. Moreover, microreactor for renewable energy conversion and for carbon capture and utilization was discussed. 30+ participants from academics and industries attended this talk.

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Technical Talks on "Energy Audit"(28 November 2015)

AERC, EI, AEE and HKAEE jointly organized a technical talk on “Energy Audit. Director of AERC with two invited speakers, Mr Justin Ng from Galaxy Macau and Ir Gary Chiang from CLP Power Hong Kong Limited presented on topics “Energy Management System (EnMS)”, “Finding Opportunities in a Holistic Approach for Energy Assessment”; and “Understanding Measurement for Energy Audit” respectively. Various aspects of Energy Audit were discussed, including details description on Energy Management System and the key factors for successful implementation. The speakers introduced the basic instrument types and usage with sample cases, measurement principles and techniques required to take meaningful data were reviewed. The experience on how to conduct an energy assessment in a holistic approach and discussed on how to realize the saving opportunities during the energy assessment process were shared. 155+ participants from academics, government, consulting firms, property management companies and utilities attended this talk.

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Technical Talks on Nanomaterials and Solar Energy (23 May 2015)

AERC, EI, AEE and the HKAEE jointly organized technical talks on Nanomaterials and Solar Energy. Director of AERC with two invited speakers, Dr Vivien Lu and Dr. Yuanhao Wang from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University presented on topics “Solar Activated Functional Nanomaterials”, “Development Potential of Roof-mounted Solar Photovoltaic Systems in Hong Kong”; and “Highly Dispersed Superhydrophilic Nanocomposite Colloids for Self-cleaning Curtain Walls” respectively. Various aspects of the application of solar-activated nanomaterials and the advance technology of materials which can be screen-printed or sprayed onto the PV glass surface were investigated. Besides, the development potential of rooftop solar photovoltaic applications in Hong Kong was also discussed. 160+ participants from academics, government, consulting firms, property management companies and utilities attended this event.

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International Conference on Solid Wastes 2015: Knowledge Transfer for Sustainable Resource Management (ICSWHK2015) (20-23 May 2015)

AERC is one of the supporting organizations for the ICSWHK2015. The conference is organzied by Sino-Forest Applied Research Centre for Pearl River Delta Environment (ARCPE),Hong Kong Baptist University. It will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from 20-23 May 2015. About the conference: Currently many Governments are facing hectic pressure due to increasing waste generation and diverse nature of wastes. However, solutions for their treatment and disposal are not simple owing to the increasing diversity of the waste that necessitates appropriate technologies. Ironically, many solutions, including social and technological, do not have universal applicability; and region specific modifications are required. Such modifications in the technology and practices need efficient knowledge transfer and be discussed in a forum with the characteristics of different regions to develop model practices and subsequent appraisal of the success stories to be adapted elsewhere that can save lots of resources across boundaries. With this preamble and the success of the past two conferences in 2011 and 2013, the “International Conference on Solid Waste 2015: Knowledge Transfer for Sustainable Resource Management” will provide a perfect platform for the stakeholders from academia, industries, governments, NGOs and the public to deliberate on various issues related to sustainable waste management practices. It will definitely enhance our understanding leading to effective and sustainable management of wastes.

The conference covers the following themes:
1. Sustainable solid waste management practices - Countries perspectives
2. Waste collection, segregation and characterization
3. Innovative strategies for waste separation, recycling and recovery
4. Sustainable waste utilization & recycling methods
5. Bioenergy and bioproducts from waste (anaerobic digestion, biofuels, etc)
6. Biomass production from waste & carbon sequestration (composting, biochar, etc)
7. Thermal technologies for waste treatment – Trend & development
8. Landfill management & leachate treatment
9. Hazardous, industrial and special waste management
10. Electronic waste management, treatment and pollution abatement
11. Life cycle assessment of waste management practices
12. Waste management industry - Market potential
13. Economic instruments and financing methods for waste management
14. Environmental education for waste management industry and community
15. Environmental quality and climate change

For details, please visit the conference website https://arcpe.hkbu.edu.hk/conf2015/.

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Seminar on "Carbon dioxide capture, utilization and storage" (7 January 2015)

AERC had invited Dr. Xuan Jin, Assistant Professor in School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University to deliver a seminar on carbon dioxide capture and storage. The speaker described a number of CCUS research activities conducted in the Centre for Innovation in Carbon Capture and Storage (CICCS) at Heriot-Watt University, including novel sorbents for more efficient capture; modelling and experimental studies of geological carbon storage and ecosystem responses to releases of CO2, microreactor for carbon utilization process, fuel cell-based CCUS systems and solar fuels. 30 participants from consultancy firms and academics attended the seminar.

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Seminar on "Investigation of Transport Processes in PEMFC Cold Start and Normal Operation (6 January 2015)

AERC had invited Dr. Jiao Kui, professor in the State Key Laboratory of Engines at the Tianjin University to deliver a seminar on the investigation on the effective start-up from subzero temperatures of proton exchange membrane fuel cell and their researches on solving this major technical challenges for the commercialization of proton exchange membrane fuel cell. The speaker introduced multi-level modeling and experimental observation to let the audiences to understand the ice formation mechanisms. The effects of various cell designs and operating conditions on the cold start and normal operation performance of PEMFC had been discussed. 15 participants from academics attended the seminar.

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5th International Conference on Energy - Sustainable Energy Polices and Technologies (16-17 October 2014)

School of Energy and Environment, White Rose University Consortium of UK and Energy Institute had jointly organized the 5th International Conference on Energy- Sustainable Energy Policies and Technologies as one of the celebratory event of 30th anniversary of CityU. AERC has provided logistic supports for this event. The Conference was a successfully event with overwhelming responses. Over 270 participants, including local and overseas government officials, non-government organizations, industry and business sectors, academia, researchers and students participated in the conference. The Conference offered the participants an invaluable opportunity to assess the applicability and effectiveness of various related sustainable technologies as well as energy policy trend in Hong Kong as well as in the rest of the world. It also facilitates academic and professional exchange for technological and policy development towards sustainable energy supply and utilization.

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Technical Talks on “Hydrogen - The Future Fuel” (2 August 2014)

AERC with The Energy Institute Hong Kong (Branch)had jointly organized technical talks on hydrogen energy at LT-17 on 2 August 2014. In these technical talks, various aspects of hydrogen fuel, from production, applications to safety operation were discussed. Around 210 participants had attended the technical talks.

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Seminar on " A Miniaturized Microbial Fuel Cell: renewable & carbon-netural energy converter(10 Apr 2013)

AERC had invited Dr. Junseok Chae, Associate Professor from Arizona State University to present. Speaker presented a miniaturized MFC having a high power density and high CE; also provided insight of using nanostructure materials to further enhance the MEMS MFC to be used for a portable power source.

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Agreement Signing Ceremony with Sinopec Fushun Research Institute of Petroleum and Petrochemicals(19 Feb 2013)

AERC signed a research collaboration agreement with the SINOPEC Fushun Research Institute of Petroleum and Petrochemicals and The University of Hong Kong on 19 February 2013. The agreement facilitates academic and professional exchanges among the three parties and fosters ties with the local academic institutes and Mainland industries.

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Symposium on Application of Physical Scale Prevention Technologies for chiller Condensers"(12 Jan 2013)

AERC and the Energy Institute (Hong Kong) Branch jointly organized a half-day Symposium on presenting in what way a well design air-conditioning systems could effectively remove indoor pollutants to safeguard our health. Speakers presented the latest technologies that improve the energy efficiency of air-conditioning systems and enhance the indoor air quality (IAQ) in offices. Director of AERC was invited to be one of the speakers and delivered a talk on “Photocatalytic oxidation- an emerging technology in HVAC industry”.

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Seminar on "Seminar on “Solar Power Plants and Energy Storage for Global Energy Needs"(29 Sep 2012)

AERC had invited Prof. Elias K Stefanakos, Director of Clean Energy Research Centre from University of South Florida Tampa, Florida USA as the speaker of the seminar to present an overview of solar power plants (PV and CSP), including technological advancements and cost reductions, and their potential contribution to the global electrical energy needs.

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International Conference on Energy for the Next Decade

AERC and the Energy Institute (Hong Kong Branch) jointly organized the International Conference on Energy for the Next Decade on 20-22 September 2012 in Hong Kong.

Programme leaflet