Hong Kong could get first offshore wind farm in 2027, providing carbon-free electric power to up to 120,000 families
- HK Electric reveals plan to build 600-hectare wind farm, consisting of between 13 and 19 wind turbines, about 4km southwest off Lamma Island
- Farm would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 284,000 tonnes annually, equal to the yearly carbon absorption of about 6,000 trees
Hong Kong could get its first offshore wind farm in 2027, with the aim of providing carbon-free electricity to up to 120,000 families, after a power company won approval for the use of next-generation turbine technology for the project.
HK Electric on Friday announced the plan to build a 600-hectare (1,482-acre) wind farm, consisting of between 13 and 19 wind turbines, about 4km (2.5 miles) southwest off Lamma Island to provide 150 megawatts of electricity each year, or about 4 per cent of the firm’s overall electricity output.
The Environmental Protection Department on Thursday approved the use of higher-efficiency wind power technology in the area.
According to HK Electric’s statement on Friday, the proposed construction could eliminate 284,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually once completed, which is equal to the yearly carbon absorption of about 6,000 trees.
“Apart from increasing gas-fired generation, we have been exploring the development of renewable energy on a wider scale in Hong Kong,” said Wan Chi-tin, HK Electric’s managing director.
“To achieve carbon neutrality to combat climate change, HK Electric fully supports the government’s zero-carbon electricity goal.”
The wind farm project was critical because it would mark an “important step” towards net-zero electricity generation, he added.
Hong Kong is en route to diversifying renewable energy sources as part of the city’s Climate Action Plan 2050.
