Publications

Survey of Energy Resources 2007

Wind Country Notes

Hong Kong, China
The land-based wind resource of Hong Kong has been studied by a number of organisations. An interactive wind resource map will soon be available at the Institute for the Environment website at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. There are about four hilly areas with average annual wind power densities of more than 550 W/m2 at a hub height of 60 metres.

Hongkong Electric's (HEC) 800 kW wind turbine at Tai Ling on Lamma Island, which is Hong Kong's first commercial-scale grid-connected wind turbine, was put into operation on 23 February 2006. The 71 m tall, triple-bladed wind turbine is expected to produce about one million kWh annually. It can supplant the need to burn 350 tonnes of coal annually and avoid the emission of 830 tonnes of CO2.

An important component of HEC's vision for 'Lamma Winds' is heightening public awareness of using wind as renewable energy for power generation. To this end, HEC has created an exhibition centre at the site that provides a wealth of information on the nature of wind and other sources of renewable energy, their benefits and limitations, and examples of their application worldwide.

The pilot project provides valuable insight into the benefits as well as the limitations of utilising wind as renewable energy for power generation in the context of Hong Kong's unique environment. The experience gained is of vital importance for HEC in its pursuit of wider application of renewable energy.

CLP Power Hong Kong plans to install a commercial-scale wind turbine in 2007.

Due to the scarcity of suitable land in Hong Kong, both CLP and HEC are conducting feasibility studies for offshore wind power in Hong Kong waters. The potential total capacity for both projects is 250 MW.