Hong Kong Tackling Energy Problems

Question 1

Energy production and consumption in Hong Kong

Answer 1

Hong Kong lacks power resources. It has to import fossil fuels to generate electricity. Most of the energy is consumed by the business sector

Coal 53%
Nuclear 23%
Natural gas 22%

Commercial 42%
Transport 32%
Residential 21%

Question 2

Adopted measures (1.1)

Answer 2

Electricity production (fuel mix)

Since 1997, all new generators are powered by natural gas to reduce carbon emissions

In 2014, the government proposed to adjust the fuel mix for electricity generation. The share of natural gas and renewable energy would be increased

Question 3

Adopted measures (1.2)

Answer 3

Electricity production (renewable energy resources)

The government encourage the development of renewable energy

The wind power station on Lamma Island provides energy for 250 families annually

The HEP station at the Tuen Mun Water Treatment Works helps reduce 2000 tonnes of carbon emissions in a year

Many government buildings have installed solar panels to capture solar energy

Question 4

Adopted measures (1.3)

Answer 4

Electricity production (waste-to-energy)

In recent years, the government started to make use of landfill gas and the heat generated from sludge treatment facilities to produce electricity

Question 5

Adopted measures (2)

Answer 5

Building designs

In Hong Kong, buildings consume over 90% of electricity. The government tried to reduce energy use of buildings by :

Passing laws to require all new buildings to comply with energy efficiency standards

Providing guidelines for architects about energy-saving designs

Subsiding property owners for energy efficiency improvement works

Question 6

Energy-saving designs adopted by the new Trade and Industry Tower

Answer 6

Solar panels 
Rooftop greening 
Vertical greening
Double gazing windows 
Glass walls allow the entry of natural light

Question 7

Adopted measures (3)

Answer 7

Transport

The transport sector is the second largest energy consumer in Hong Kong. Various measures are introduced to lower the fuel consumption :

Extension of railway network

Elimination of overlapping and under-utilised bus routes

Tightening emission standards of vehicles

Provision of tax allowances and charging facilities for electric vehicles

Question 8

Adopted measures (4)

Answer 8

Electrical appliances

The Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme is enforced to provide energy efficiency information for consumers

Question 9

Possible measures to be taken (1)

Answer 9

Review electricity tariff

The power companies offer pricing discounts for the commercial sector. This has encouraged over-consumption of electricity. The government should regulate the pricing system so as to reduce energy use significantly

Question 10

Possible measure to be taken (2)

Answer 10

Control light pollution

Light pollution is serious in Hong Kong. Many green groups urge the government to pass laws to regulate external lighting to save energy

Question 11

Possible measures to be taken (3)

Answer 11

Support R&D of energy-saving

More subsidies and technical support should be provided to encourage the research and development of energy-saving products, such as charging facilities for electric vehicles and solar cells

Question 12

Possible measures to be taken (4)

Answer 12

Turn waste into energy

The government can expand the use of landfill gas to produce energy. Waste cooking oil from restaurants can also be used to produce biodiesel for vehicles