电能实业(00006) - 2019 - 年度财报

Financial Performance - The group's audited profit attributable to shareholders for 2019 was HKD 7,131 million, a decrease from HKD 7,636 million in 2018[7]. - The earnings per share for 2019 was HKD 3.34, down from HKD 3.58 in 2018[7]. - The total equity increased to HKD 85,492 million in 2019 from HKD 83,557 million in 2018[8]. - The cash balance at the end of 2019 was HKD 4,876 million, compared to HKD 5,229 million in 2018[8]. - The contribution from the UK business to the group's profit was HKD 3,489 million, down from HKD 4,045 million in 2018[16]. - Hong Kong business profit contribution was HKD 777 million, down from HKD 1.018 billion in 2018, primarily due to a decrease in allowed profit return rate under the new regulatory scheme[17]. - Australian business profit contribution was HKD 1.445 billion, slightly down from HKD 1.451 billion in 2018, affected by a weak AUD exchange rate[18]. - Profit contribution from mainland China business was HKD 415 million, down from HKD 469 million in 2018, with a total coal-fired generation capacity reduction of 1,600 MW upon completion of ownership transfers[19]. Renewable Energy and Sustainability Initiatives - The total generating capacity from renewable energy and waste-to-energy was 1,731 MW[6]. - The group aims to support net-zero carbon emission goals by accelerating decarbonization in residential heating and power systems, alongside necessary infrastructure development[21]. - The company plans to increase the proportion of gas-fired power generation to 70% of total generation by 2023, alongside significant reductions in carbon emissions from coal-fired plants[22]. - The group is progressing with a 1.25 MW hydrogen electrolysis plant in South Australia as part of the Hydrogen Park SA project, aimed at developing business models using "green" hydrogen[18]. - The group’s distribution networks are being upgraded to accommodate increased renewable energy integration and the growing demand for electric vehicle charging facilities[21]. - The group is constructing the largest commercial-scale electrolyzer in Australia to produce green hydrogen, integrating it with the existing gas network[38]. - The group’s UK gas distribution company is injecting 20% hydrogen into the existing gas network, aiming to eventually replace natural gas[38]. - The group reduced its coal-fired generation capacity by 1,600 MW, aligning with global carbon reduction goals[38]. Operational Developments - The new gas unit L10 in Hong Kong successfully connected to the grid in October 2019 and commenced operations in February 2020, contributing to asset growth and increasing gas generation to approximately 70% by 2023[17]. - The group’s Australian Energy Operations connected Moorabool and Elaine wind farms to the grid in 2019, contributing to overall performance[18]. - The company has invested in a second plastic sorting line at AVR, significantly enhancing its recycling capabilities and performance[28]. - The company has completed the connection of the 321 MW Moorabool wind farm and the 85 MW Elaine wind farm to the grid[28]. - The company is focusing on renewable energy, waste-to-energy, and gas infrastructure as key areas for investment and growth[24]. - The company is implementing innovative technologies to improve performance in carbon reduction, renewable energy storage, and energy efficiency[24]. Customer and Market Insights - The number of customers in the UK reached 8,300,000, making it the largest market for the group[40]. - UK Power Networks (UKPN) distributed 77.15 billion kWh in 2019, a decrease from 79.63 billion kWh in 2018, while achieving a customer satisfaction rating of 90%, the highest ever[44]. - Northern Gas Networks (NGN) supplied 69.43 billion kWh of gas in 2019, slightly down from 69.72 billion kWh in 2018, and was recognized as the most efficient gas distribution network by Ofgem[47]. - The number of electric vehicles in UKPN's operational area is currently close to 70,000, with an estimated increase to 4 million by 2030[44]. Environmental Impact and Compliance - The total greenhouse gas emissions amounted to 10,885,046 tons of CO2 equivalent in 2019, a decrease from 12,642,974 tons in 2018, representing a reduction of approximately 13.9%[176]. - Nitrogen oxide emissions were recorded at 5,916 tons in 2019, down from 6,951 tons in 2018, indicating a reduction of about 14.9%[176]. - The total amount of non-hazardous waste generated was 545,445 tons in 2019, down from 705,422 tons in 2018, showing a reduction of about 22.7%[176]. - The company has not reported any significant legal violations affecting the environment during the reporting period[139]. Governance and Corporate Structure - The company maintained compliance with the corporate governance code as per the Hong Kong Stock Exchange's listing rules throughout the year ending December 31, 2019[192]. - The board of directors held a total of four meetings in 2019, with additional meetings conducted as necessary[195]. - The audit committee reviewed the governance structure and compliance status of the corporate governance code for the year 2018 and the first half of 2019[194]. - The company has established procedures for directors to seek independent professional advice at the company's expense when necessary[196]. - The company has purchased insurance for the responsibilities of its directors[196]. - The board's diversity status as of December 31, 2019, reflects a commitment to maintaining a diverse composition[198]. Employee Engagement and Development - The company recruited 9 trainee engineers following a recruitment seminar held in 2019[142]. - In 2019, 45 employees received sponsorship for external training courses to enhance their skills[144]. - The company implemented a flexible working arrangement to help employees balance personal needs and job responsibilities[142]. - A training website was launched to provide convenient and efficient training and development courses for all employees[144]. - The company conducted regular employee surveys and workshops to gather feedback for operational improvements[143].