HK wind project feasibility undergoes public consultation

The feasibility study for a 200MW wind farm in the southeastern waters of Hong Kong is now subject to public scrutiny.

China Light and Power and Wind Prospect recently presented the environmental impact assessment which the latter began in 2005. CLP joined as a partner in 2006.

Aside from the environmental impact assessment, the study has encompassed site selection, marine safety, engineering studies and physical trials of technologies for construction in the offshore environment.

"The feasibility study to date indicates that developing an off-shore wind farm in Hong Kong is technically feasible and environmentally acceptable," said Alex Tancock, General Manager of Wind Prospect HK Ltd.

The proposed project has adopted the suction caisson foundation concept, an advanced and environmentally-friendly foundation technology, that is able to minimise disturbance to the seabed and marine environment.

"We are presenting this renewable energy opportunity in Hong Kong in response to the Hong Kong Government’s 1-2 percent renewable energy target and the community’s desire for renewable energy. The benefits of the project include providing clean energy for approximately 80,000 households, while offsetting over 300,000 tons of carbon dioxide emission every year," said Joseph Law, Project Manager – Hong Kong Renewable Energy of CLP Power HK Ltd.

The initiative will also contribute to achieving CLP’s voluntary target in its Climate Vision 2050 of increasing the non-carbon-emitting generating capacity in the portfolio to 20 percent by 2020.

"We have been engaging different stakeholders and listening to their opinions throughout the process. We look forward to receiving views from the public on the role of renewable energy in Hong Kong’s energy portfolio," added Mr Law.