More than 1,100 primary and secondary school students took part in a Low-Carbon Invention Competition organised by the CLP Power Low Carbon Energy Education Centre (LCEEC) to harness their creativity for environmentally friendly inventions using 3D printing technology. Winning entries were showcased on 16 December at an award presentation ceremony of the LCEEC, which was established jointly by CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP Power) and the City University of Hong Kong (CityU).

The competition combined elements of creativity, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), and environmental awareness as students came up with eco-friendly ideas which could apply in daily life. In the first round, participants presented their inventions through drawings. In the second round, shortlisted students attended a 3D printing workshop organised by the LCEEC to transform their 2D drawings into 3D images using 3D drawing software and competed for a total of 16 awards in primary and secondary school categories.

The competition drew more than 1,100 entries from students in 80 primary schools and 23 secondary schools. Some winning entries featured renewable energy by harnessing wind and solar power together with energy storage devices. Other entries aimed to reduce carbon emissions through greening. Yu Tsz Yin, a secondary two student from the Hong Kong University Graduate Association College, won the championship in the secondary school category for her invention which featured a semi-spherical structure built with water pipes that spanned the city’s skyline. The structure supported the growth of aquatic plants, absorbing carbon emissions and enhancing urban greening. Yu said, “Amidst the challenges posed by global warming, I am eager to contribute to environmental protection with my design, which mitigates the impact of urbanisation and enhances air quality.” Jovi Chan, a primary four student from Ying Wa Primary School, was the champion in the primary school category. His winning entry used the wind tunnel effect to drive wind turbines built between high-rise buildings to generate electricity. Chan said, “I encountered strong wind between two buildings when typhoon signal No. 10 was hoisted.  The experience inspired me to design this appliance and I hope my design will support decarbonisation in the community.” 

CLP Holdings Senior Director – Nuclear Mr Eddie Wu said at the ceremony, “CLP Power has a longstanding partnership with CityU to promote environmental protection and educate the public about a variety of low-carbon energy sources, including nuclear energy, through engaging activities organised by the LCEEC. CLP Power will continue to promote energy saving and low-carbon living to the community through different platforms with the goal of supporting Hong Kong to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.”

LCEEC Deputy Director and Laboratory Manager in the Department of Mechanical Engineering of CityU Dr Luk Bing-lam said, “The Low-Carbon Invention Competition aligns perfectly with the LCEEC's mission to raise awareness of climate change while introducing participants to the transformative power of STEM in driving sustainable development. The overwhelming response to the competition reflects the LCEEC’s achievement in environment education.” 

Guest Judge Hong Kong Meteorological Society Spokesperson Professor Leung Wing-mo remarked, “I am very pleased to see that the competition entries demonstrate Hong Kong students’ enthusiasm for environmental protection, and their creativity in finding carbon reduction solutions. To successfully combat climate change, concerted efforts of different sectors and generations are essential. I believe this competition has contributed to promoting awareness 
of climate change among the younger generation.”

Since its launch in 2017, the LCEEC has provided members of the public with the latest information about the role of low-carbon energy in combating climate change. The LCEEC features interactive exhibits and five thematic zones showcasing nuclear energy, wind energy, solar energy, hydro energy, and natural gas. By introducing the power generation principles of different low-carbon energy sources along with their applications, advantages and limitations, the LCEEC inspires visitors to reflect on energy-related issues and the prospects for future development.

CityU strives to fulfill its social responsibilities and attaches great importance to sustainable development, which it continues to put into practice, while promoting research in related fields. Other than promoting low-carbon energy with CLP Power, it also carries out various initiatives on campus to encourage teachers and students to save energy and water resources, recycle and reuse, reduce carbon emissions, and so forth, to contribute to a sustainable future.

For more information about the CLP Power Low Carbon Energy Education Centre, please visit: http://www.ncm2.xyz/lowcarbon. 

Please click here to view the details of winning entries. 

About City University of Hong Kong
City University of Hong Kong (CityU) is an innovative hub for world-class research and education. We have 10 Colleges and Schools: Business, Engineering, Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Science, Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, Creative Media, Data Science, Energy and Environment, Law, and Graduate Studies, together with 28 academic units. 

We aim to unleash our students’ passion for learning through inspirational learning, help them to work as a team through interactive learning, and encourage them to explore outside the academic world and embrace their inspiration and inventions through innovative learning. Moreover, we pursue research that has a scientific, technological and social impact. For more information about CityU, please visit: http://www.ncm2.xyz.  

About CLP Power Hong Kong Limited
CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP Power) is the Hong Kong utility subsidiary wholly owned by CLP Holdings Limited, a company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and one of the largest investor-owned power businesses in Asia. CLP Power operates a vertically integrated electricity supply business in Hong Kong, and provides a highly reliable supply of electricity and excellent customer services to more than six million people in its supply area.