HK Electric [2638:HK], one of Hong Kong’s two major electric generation companies, announced a plan to build a 600-hectare (1,482-acre) offshore wind farm southwest of Lamma Island, as reported by South China Morning Post on May 6. The wind farm will include 13 to 19 wind turbines to provide 150 megawatts (MW) of electricity each year, equivalent to around 4% of the firm’s total electricity output. The project is expected to call for bids in 2024 and start operation in 2027. Upon completion, the project could reduce 284,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year, equivalent to the yearly carbon absorption of about 6,000 trees.

HK Electric will include the symbolic wind farm in the firm’s next five-year development plan (2024-2028). Apart from boosting gas-fired generation, HK Electric has been exploring ways to scale up renewable energies in Hong Kong to support the city’s zero-carbon electricity goal, citing HK Electric’s managing director, Wan Chi-tin. According to Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050 released last October, the city aims to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by half, or 20m tons, by 2035, before it achieves net-zero emissions by 2050. The action plan also outlined four major decarbonization strategies, including net-zero electricity generation, energy-saving and green buildings, green transport, and waste reduction. Over the next 15 to 20 years, the Hong Kong government will invest HKD240bn (USD30.8bn) on various measures that mitigate climate change to fulfill the plan.

Sources:

https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3176838/hong-kong-could-get-first-offshore-wind-farm-2027

https://theasset.com/article/46676/hk-electric-plans-150mw-offshore-wind-farm

https://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2021/10/20211008/20211008_155531_711.html