In the pipeline: Vice Premier Li Keqiang (2nd row, 2nd left) and Chief Executive Donald Tsang (2nd row, 3rd left) at the launch ceremony starting construction of the eastern section of the Second West-East Natural Gas Pipeline in Shenzhen.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang attended the launch ceremony starting construction of the eastern section of the Second West-East Natural Gas Pipeline in Shenzhen this morning.

The pipelines connecting to Hong Kong are due for completion by 2013.

Today's ceremony was also attended by Vice Premier Li Keqiang and other officials.

"Last year the National Energy Administration signed a Memorandum of Understanding on energy co-operation with the HKSAR. It enabled Hong Kong to obtain a sustained and stable supply of clean energy from the Mainland," Mr Tsang said.

"This will not only be conducive to the sustainable growth of Hong Kong's economy, but also to the optimisation of our energy structure and reduction in emission of air pollutants."

Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau said the pipeline will bring additional natural gas to the region and is a big step towards building a greener Pearl River Delta region.