Hong Kong News: New power supply plans broached (19 March 2014)

New power supply plans broached

March 19, 2014

Secretary for the Environment KS Wong has tabled two fuel-mix options for Hong Kong's future electricity generation.

Speaking at a media session today, Mr Wong proposed “grid purchase” and "local generation" options, which will be discussed in a three-month public consultation.

He said the review is needed as existing coal-fired generating units will be phased out from 2017.

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Secretary for the Environment Wong Kam-sing: Having regard to our energy policy objectives and relevant considerations, we are putting forward two fuel mix options for public consultation. Option one is grid purchase, and option two is local generation. For option one, under which we proposed importing power through purchase from the Mainland power grid. Option two is local generation, under which we proposed using more natural gas for local generation. Possible fuel mix ratios have been proposed under these two options for planning the necessary infrastructure but the actual deployment of fuel mix type would eventually depend on the prevailing circumstances. The Government adopts an open position on these options. We hope the public can provide us with their views on this important matter as we chart the way forward.

Under the “grid purchase” proposal, electricity imported from the Mainland would meet about half of Hong Kong’s demand, while local generation would meet the other half. Purchased electricity from the Mainland power grid would account for 30% of Hong Kong's supply.

Generation by natural gas would increase from the existing 22% to 40%, while coal and renewable energy would account for about 10% under this option.

The "local generation" option proposes increasing the share of natural gas to about 60%, with coal and renewable energy accounting for 20%.

Both proposals maintain Hong Kong's existing level of electricity imported from Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station at 20%.

Mr Wong said the Government is adopting an open position on the options.

Views on the consultation document can be sent by email.


source from: http://www.news.gov.hk/en/categories/environment/html/2014/03/20140319_115736.shtml