Macau, 13 September 2024

Companhia de Electricidade de Macau - CEM, S.A. (CEM), University of Macau (UM) and Dongfang Electronics Co., Ltd. (Dongfang Electronics) held a plaque unveiling and cooperation agreement signing ceremony for the “Digital Intelligence-Empowered New Power Distribution Technology Joint Laboratory” earlier at the CEM Training Center. This agreement will further promote the interchange and practical application of power distribution technologies in Macau's power system, drive the upgrade and transformation of the power industry, assist in building a smart city in Macau, and align with the national goal of achieving "dual carbon" goals.

The joint laboratory will interconnect resources in production, education, research, and application through collaboration between the university and enterprises, complementing each other's advantages. The three parties will cooperate comprehensively in research areas such as power system infrastructure technology, highly electrified low-carbon power distribution technology, cross-dimensional data integration of digital grids, and big data mining, promoting moderate diversification of Macau's industries. At the same time, through technological research and the incubation of high-quality industrial projects, the joint laboratory aims to cultivate high-end research talent in Macau, continuously injecting innovative energy into the Macau power industry.

The cooperation agreement for the “Digital Intelligence-Empowered New Power Distribution Technology Joint Laboratory” was signed by Yonghua Song, Rector of UM; Bernie Leong, Chairman of CEM Executive Committee and Fang Zhengji, Chairman of Dongfang Electronics. Subsequently, the plaque for the ceremony was unveiled by UM Rector Yonghua Song; Ma Shaodan, Associate Director of the State Key Laboratory of Internet of Things for Smart City (SKL-IOTSC); Bernie Leong, Chairman of CEM Executive Committee; Zhang Jian, Executive Director of CEM Executive Committee; Fang Zhengji, Chairman of Dongfang Electronics and Xie Jianguo, General Manager of Yantai Dongfang Wisdom Electric Co., Ltd.

UM Rector Yonghua Song stated that the joint laboratory will be established to leverage strengths and complement advantages through the tripartite collaboration. This initiative will focus on tackling technological challenges and promoting research and development results in the fields of digitalization and intelligent new power distribution technology. The three parties will further maximize their respective strengths to achieve deep integration of industry, academia, and research through the joint laboratory. This will support the innovative development of the energy and power industry in Macau, the Greater Bay Area, and even the entire country, setting a benchmark for technological cooperation between Macau and the mainland China under the "one country, two systems" framework.

CEM actively supports the Macau SAR Government's green travel policy and the construction of a smart city, dedicating itself to improving the electric vehicle charging network and installing smart meters. Currently, CEM has achieved full coverage of smart meters, and EV charging facilities are available in most public car parks. Bernie Leong, Chairman of CEM Executive Committee, stated that through the joint establishment of the laboratory, the three parties will achieve complementary advantages and mutually beneficial cooperation in research and innovation, talent cultivation, and result transformation. This will foster CEM's research in optimizing the grid and energy efficiency, ensuring the safety and stability of the distribution system, providing high-quality power supply services to residents, and assisting the Greater Bay Area in accelerating its transition to a green future.

Fang Zhengji, Chairman of Dongfang Electronics, stated that Dongfang Electronics will take the joint laboratory as an opportunity for close collaboration among the three parties, continuously enhancing research and application investment in smart technologies for new power distribution and consumption. It serves as a bridge and link between the advanced research at UM and the high-quality demonstrations by CEM, contributing wisdom and strength to the high-quality innovative development of the new power system in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area and even the entire country.

According to the agreement, the joint laboratory will focus research on the digitalization and intelligence of new power distribution and utilization technologies. It includes research topics such as multi-dimensional digital twin technology for distribution systems, safety alert, emergency command, and low-voltage digital transparent platforms. The joint laboratory will benefit Macau in creating a more flexible, low-carbon, and highly electrified digital grid, promoting the sustainable development of green cities, and enhancing the safety of electricity use and the quality of services for customers.

Other attending guests included Wang Minghao, Lao Keng Weng, Assistant Professor from the SKL-IOTSC of UM; Li Huilin, General Manager of Yantai Haiyi Software Co., Ltd.; Liu Yanle, Deputy Chief Engineer of Dongfang Electronics; Gao Zhenyan, Chief Technology Officer of Dongfang Electronics; Ma Yunfei, Chief Marketing Officer of China Southern Power Grid Region Dongfang Electronics Co., Ltd.; Cheng Peibo, Chief Marketing Officer of Overseas Business Unit of Dongfang Electronics; Mo Bing, Marketing Manager of Guangzhou Branch of Yantai Haiyi Software Co., Ltd.; Xu Fang, Chief Marketing Officer of HK&MAC Markets of Yantai Dongfang Wisdom Electric Co.,Ltd..; Benjamin Yue, Principal Advisor to the CEM Executive Committee; Chris Chao, Director of CEM Customer Services Department; Simon Young, Director of CEM Transmission and Distribution Department; Evan Liu, Director of CEM Power and Networks Dispatch Department; Sammy Chan, Director of CEM Information Systems Department; Cecilia Nip, Director of CEM Regulatory Affairs and Corporate Communications Office.