Renewable energy development in Hong Kong

A two-stage consultancy study was commissioned by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department of the Hong Kong SAR Government in November 2000 to investigate the feasibility of wide-scale application of renewable energy (RE) technologies in Hong Kong, with a view to further improving our air quality and reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. The stage 1 study evaluated the potential of various forms of RE technologies for wide-scale local use, and related legal, institutional and promotional issues. It also made recommendations for formulating an implementation strategy. The stage 1 study was completed in early 2003. Upon reviewing current technological trends and applications, and taking into account Hong Kong´s local characteristics, RE technologies that are considered potentially feasible for wide-scale application in Hong Kong include: a. solar power; b. wind power; and c. energy from waste. Public consultation on the findings and recommendations was conducted from February till April 2003, and the results indicated that the public is more receptive to RE than the consultant have envisaged. The stage 2 study is a design and build project involving the installation of a building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) system in the Wanchai Tower. This is a pilot project, which covers a total area of 500 m² PV panels with a peak power output of 55 kW. This paper gives a brief account on the key findings of the two studies and discusses the technological performance of feasible RE resources in Hong Kong.