Wind energy for Lamma
Sylvia Hui, HK Standard

Hong Kong Electric is making a tentative step towards renewable energy by
building a wind turbine on Lamma Island, but activists say such a small effort is
hardly in touch with world energy trends.

The HK$10 million turbine, to be built at Tai Ling, will produce 700 megawatt
hours a year, or 3 per cent of the annual electricity consumption on the island,
when it starts operating in early 2006.

The site will cover an area of 4,400 square metres and has a capacity ranging
from 600 to 850 kilowatts.

It will operate throughout the year, but will only reach full capacity for about 13
per cent of the time.

``The average wind speed in the area is about five to six metres per second, so
most of the time it will be turning slowly. Optimum speed is at 15 metres per
second,'' Hong Kong Electric chief engineer Cheung Nai-yik said.

Due care has been taken to study its effects and an environmental impact
assessment report was submitted to the Environmental Protection Department
last month.

"The noise produced will not exceed 100 decibels and should not affect
neighbouring villages, the nearest of which is 260 metres from the site,'' Cheung
said.

Ecological and visual impacts have also been assessed, and the height of the
turbine, at 45 metres, stays below the government height limit.

Once completed the turbine would only require an annual maintenance fee of
between HK$100,000 and HK$200,000.

``It will reduce 240 tonnes of pollutants released by burning coal each year,''
Cheung said.

Hong Kong Electric's annual amount of coal-burning emissions is about four
million tonnes.

Greenpeace, which has been urging power companies and the government to
introduce renewable energy, welcomed the pilot scheme but said Hong Kong
Electric ought to have a wider vision. "It's encouraging that their environmental
impact assessment has been completed,'' Greenpeace campaigner Gloria Chang
said.

"But a corporation of their size and power should not just look at a single
turbine. They should extend their vision to the whole south China region.

"Compared with the SAR's neighbouring regions, we are moving at a snail-like
pace.''

The power company's rival CLP Power is also planning a 600kW turbine,
although it will not start generating electricity until late 2007.

The two power companies combined produce more than 90 per cent of the
territory's sulphur dioxide and more than 60 per cent of the carbon dioxide
annually, Chang said.

10 September 2004 / 02:32 AM

Wow government so rich~Wind power would be a good source of reproductive energy.
but are they just wasting money? wind power needs a lot of money and land, maintanence...etc

I have to agree that this project is not the best answer. If Hong Kong wants renewable energy then at least make it so that it powers more than just 3% of the island's energy consumption and reaches full capacity most of the time compared to just 13%.

I don't care about wasting money, as long as it does help reducing pollutants.
That's a good start, i must say.

currently nearly 100% of hong kong's electricty is nonrenewable.

Well of course I agree on using renewable energy, but just afraid on another harbour show fest...[no apologize],[mickey mouse] those things you know...
Just want a project that is efficient and will do a good job

There is not enough land to build a meaningful wind farm in Hong Kong. I saw a big one near Shantou to the east a couple years ago. Perhaps Hong Kong can purchase renewable energy from China.

Yes, renewable energy plants build in China. Hong Kong purchase energy from it. But I heard that now China is lack of electricity. They are purchasing some electric from Hong Kong. And I heard that China is planning to use Nuclear power plant is it right?

But one thing sure is that China would have space to do hydro, wind, geothermal renewable power plants.

most of china is sadly powered by coal. But there is heaps of wind farms in china which is good.

Two islands eyed for wind farms
Sites off Sai Kung and Lantau on CLP Power shortlist
Cheung Chi-fai
8 June 2005
South China Morning Post

Hong Kong's largest power supplier is eyeing two islands off Sai Kung and southern Lantau as bases for wind-energy development.

Kau Sai Chau off Sai Kung and Hei Ling Chau off Lantau have been shortlisted by CLP Power from among 70 sites across the city as having wind-farm potential.

A six-month detailed wind-measurement study will be launched to find which of the two sites has the strongest development potential.

However, even after a site is selected, only a single 600-kilowatt wind turbine, with a generation output capable of meeting the power demand of 300 households, will be built by the end of 2007. The scale is smaller than the 800kW wind turbine being built by Hongkong Electric on Lamma Island to be completed by next year.

CLP Power had previously rejected sites including Cheung Chau, Penny's Bay, Tuen Mun and Tung Chung and excluded offshore sites it said were too expensive for wind-power development.

Kau Sai Chau now houses a public golf course, while Hei Ling Chau is a prison area.

CLP Power said both sites had favourable wind resources and readily available marine access. Kau Sai Chau and Hei Ling Chau also have 20 hectares and 10 hectares of vacant government land available respectively.

The company said sufficient land meant both sites could afford further wind-turbine development.

Richard Lancaster, CLP Power's commercial director, said the shortlisted sites, given their sizes, were far from satisfying a proposed requirement of generating 1 or 2 per cent of electricity from renewable sources. He said satisfying a 4 per cent requirement would require occupying the Kowloon peninsula for wind-turbine development.

Clive Noffke, a member of the Green Lantau Association, which fiercely opposed a super-jail proposal on Hei Ling Chau, said a single wind turbine for demonstration or education purposes was acceptable. But he was worried reclamation might be needed if the site were turned into a larger wind farm. "It is not worth damaging the site for some negligible benefits."

UK firm plans wind farm off Sai Kung
Project would see turbines as tall as Jardine House to serve Tseung Kwan O
20 February 2006
South China Morning Post

A British-based renewable energy company is planning to build Hong Kong's first commercial wind farm off Sai Kung.

Under the plan, up to 50 massive wind turbines - described as being "as tall as Jardine House with blades as long as a Boeing jet" - will be built on the Ninepin islands, or Kwo Chau Kwan To.

The turbines could each produce 4MW of electricity to serve residents of the populous new town Tseung Kwan O.

Wind Prospect (Hong Kong) general manager Alex Tancock said the company was consulting various government departments, academics and power companies about the project.

"We are in the feasibility study phase, and it is hard to say what the total cost will be until we complete the study," he said. "Our intention is to complete it as soon as we can."

The company hopes to form an alliance with CLP Power, the city's largest electricity supplier serving Kowloon, the New Territories and Lantau, to distribute the electricity.

A CLP spokeswoman confirmed that Wind Prospect had approached the utility for possible participation in the project.

"We are obtaining further information on the project before deciding on the next step forward," she said.

A spokesman for the Environment, Planning and Lands Bureau would not confirm whether the bureau was in talks with Wind Prospect, saying only that it received inquiries about different green energy projects from time to time.

Wind Prospect operates four wind projects in England and has some projects under development in Scotland, Ireland and Australia.

It has advised CLP on renewable energy projects.

The company is an offshoot of Windcluster, a pioneering wind power developer that was set up in the UK in 1988.

News of the planned wind farm comes as the government is seeking public views on changes to the city's electricity market after the Scheme of Control, which regulates the sector, expires in 2008.

Identifying the city's two power firms, CLP and Hongkong Electric, as the main local source of air pollution, the Environment, Transport and Works Bureau plans to toughen their emissions standards and aims to have 1 to 2 per cent of the city's electricity coming from renewable sources by 2010.

The Wind Prospect project would be the biggest, but not the first, wind generation scheme in Hong Kong. Hongkong Electric has erected a wind turbine on Lamma that is due to begin serving residents of the island on Thursday. It has a capacity of just 800kW.

To make the Ninepin venture financially viable, Wind Prospect would need access to CLP's power grids, a source familiar with the proposal said. It would need CLP's coal-fired generation units as back-up in case of wind power malfunctions.

The project's viability would also hinge on resolving technical and financial issues, as the city was located in a typhoon belt and the cost of power production and infrastructure, as well as insurance on wind turbines, was expensive.

Another thorny issue was the likelihood that the venture would increase tariffs, the trade off for cleaner air, the source said.

A case in point is the tiny solar energy project on the government's offices at Wan Chai Tower.

Solar power costs $5-15 per kWh compared with the $1.17 per kWh Hongkong Electric charges customers, an engineer familiar with the Wan Chai project said.

"While the pressure for more [renewable energy] is intensifying, there is a big question mark how to make it commercially viable," the engineer said.

Power firm risks a wind of change
Chester Yung
Hong Kong Standard
Monday, February 27, 2006

As the tension between the government and the territory's two power companies over the development of the electricity market intensifies, Hong Kong Electric has taken a calculated risk in building the city's first wind-power station in the hopes of gaining favorable business conditions later.

Amid rising concerns over Hong Kong's worsening air quality, the Environment, Transport and Works Bureau and Economic Development and Labour Bureau have locked horns with the city's two franchised power utilities - HKE and CLP Power - over how to balance environment protection with providing cheap and efficient energy.

Last Thursday, the Li Ka-shing- owned HKE - which provides electricity to Hong Kong Island and Lamma - commissioned the territory's first wind-power station, a giant turbine with 50-meter blades, costing HK$15 million and which will take five years to build.

Despite its impressive size, HKE managing director Tso Kai-sum admitted the 800-kW turbine is relatively small in scale "perched atop Tai Ling on Lamma Island and expected to generate about a million units of green electricity and supplant the need to burn 350 tonnes of coal annually."

The company is also studying the feasibility of building a wind farm on the southern end of Lamma, but is quick to note there are huge technical difficulties, including an unstable wind supply.

Data gathered from a 147-day trial from September 26, 2005, to February 20 - which is mostly outside the annual typhoon season - indicated peak and lowest levels of daily electricity output could differ by as much as 300 times.

Tso said the company is looking for locations for more windmills, including at sea.

"The key consideration would be the cost, as we need to sink piles at least 20 meters deep into the seabed to support the windmills," Tso said.

"This is very expensive ... We will not do anything that is not profitable."

The proposal follows the report that Wind Prospect, a renewable energy company based in Britain, plans to build 50 wind turbines off Sai Kung.

The company's general manager, Alex Tancock, said the company was consulting Hong Kong government departments, academics and power companies about the projects.

It has been reported that the company hopes to form an alliance with CLP - the city's largest electricity supplier which serves Kowloon, the New Territories and Lantau - to distribute the electricity.

Last Thursday's commissioning ceremony for the HKE wind turbine came during a critical time - the consultation exercise on Hong Kong's future electricity market will end late next month.

Last December 30, the government announced a major revision in the future operation of the two power companies.

For example, the next scheme of control agreement might decrease the companies' permitted rate of return from its present minimum of 13.5 percent to as low as 7 percent.

The government also suggested shortening the next deal to 10 years when it comes into effect in 2008.

Both companies argue the government's proposed move will dampen investment and jeopardize the future development of electricity.

While, on one hand, the utility firms have criticized the proposal, on the other they appear to want to test the government's bottom line during this critical time, or try to win the government's trust in exchange for more favorable terms in the next agreement.

During the commissioning ceremony, Secretary for Environment, Transport and Works Sarah Liao said: "Harnessing wind energy for power generation is now a reality and, from now on, we can engage in discussions based on our actual experience.

"We are very thankful that HKE has positively responded to our recommendation [to explore green power]. It has built this turbine and demonstrated its tests publicly."

With air pollution worsening, Chief Executive Donald Tsang in his maiden policy address last October hinted that Hong Kong's two power utilities will face stiffer conditions to continue business after the current scheme of control agreements expire in 2008.

Before that, the inaugural report of the Council for Sustainable Development, which is headed by Tsang, suggested that 1 percent to 2 percent of Hong Kong's total electricity supply could be generated from renewable sources by 2012.

HKE's moves have been recognized by the government. We'll have to see what CLP has to offer.

In light of Tsang's modest goals for green power in Hong Kong, and given the so-called difficulties cited in producing clean electricity, it is worth noting that HKE's turbine was made in Germany, the world's leading producer of wind energy (accounting for almost 40 percent of the world's total) and which is not far behind Japan for the lead in solar power.

Wind and solar energy together account for more than 10 percent of Germany's electricity, a rate that is expected to double by 2020.

Is it possible for Hong Kong to incorporate wind turbines into supertall skyscrapers? I know it would probably be a design problem in terms of aesthetics but I think the environment is more important.

Is it possible for Hong Kong to incorporate wind turbines into supertall skyscrapers? I know it would probably be a design problem in terms of aesthetics but I think the environment is more important.

I think such a plan won't work out well.

Yes, renewable energy plants build in China. Hong Kong purchase energy from it. But I heard that now China is lack of electricity. They are purchasing some electric from Hong Kong. And I heard that China is planning to use Nuclear power plant is it right?

But one thing sure is that China would have space to do hydro, wind, geothermal renewable power plants.

Unfortunately, there are laws to protect CLP and HK Elec. profits in order to keep them running. It is not possible to open the electricity market right now, even buying power from China, unless through the two electricity generators. there is a debate to change this law and open the electricity markets for new investor. but i don't think it's gonna happen in the near future, let sees what is gonna happen.

wind energy i don't think wind energy will work for most part of hk. we really don't have that amount of land and consistent wind flow to keep the electricity supply.

but it might be a good way for power generation in remote areas like Po Toi Island and Grass Island (Tap Mun.)

I think such a plan won't work out well.
Ummm, any rationale for this view?

The original design for the Freedom Tower replacing the WTC in NYC called for wind turbines at the top. So it's not impossible.

yeah I agree it's not gonna work... if i remember right I read on Singtao or Tai Kung Pao, Even if they cover the ENTIRE HONG KONG TERRITORY with Wind Turbines, it's only enough to produce like... 13% of HK's energy use...

Ummm, any rationale for this view?

The original design for the Freedom Tower replacing the WTC in NYC called for wind turbines at the top. So it's not impossible.

might be to store backup electricity for emergency when the power goes off. so all the lights and elevators (possibly) will remain in funtion so everyone can be evacuated quick and safely. i don't think a wind turbin in that size can supply enough energy for the whole tower.

might be to store backup electricity for emergency when the power goes off. so all the lights and elevators (possibly) will remain in funtion so everyone can be evacuated quick and safely. i don't think a wind turbin in that size can supply enough energy for the whole tower.
I don't think it was meant to supply the whole tower, obviously there would be concerns with wind reliability (although at that height, it's usually pretty windy). It was supposed to reduce the power consumption of such a huge building; smaller buildings wouldn't be fitted with them b/c they'd be blocked. I think with HK's power situation the way it is, they should be exploring all the possibilities.

I don't think it was meant to supply the whole tower, obviously there would be concerns with wind reliability (although at that height, it's usually pretty windy). It was supposed to reduce the power consumption of such a huge building; smaller buildings wouldn't be fitted with them b/c they'd be blocked. I think with HK's power situation the way it is, they should be exploring all the possibilities.

They should indeed looking for alternatives, but this idea of wind turbines on towers is quite bad. This thing will take away a lot of space if you even want the smallest amout of power. And secondly this is quite difficult to build, so it would cost a lot of money. We have to face the fact that this plan will cost to much money in comparison with the quantity power of the turbines. And in my opinion such a building will be quite ugly.

Hong Kong plans island wind farm to help beat pollution

HONG KONG, July 4, 2006 (AFP) - A Hong Kong power supplier said Tuesday it has submitted a proposal to build the city's first wind farm, as part of a plan to help reduce the region's chronic air pollution.

Hong Kong Electric, which provides electricity to half the southern Chinese city of seven million people, has asked the government for permission to build 40 triple-blade windmills that will eventually generate 100 megawatts of power, enough energy for 50,000 homes.

The company said in a statement that the farm could be built on one of two leafy islands off the territory's main Hong Kong Island.

The proposal follows the success of a year-long pilot project in which a single turbine was built on Lamma Island and has so far produced more than a third of a million units of power.

It was drawn up in response to a government requirement that power companies produce at least 1.0-2.0 percent of their output via renewable sources by 2012.

Hong Kong Electric says the new farm will generate 1.6 percent of the city's power needs.

The order comes amid growing concern over Hong Kong's air quality, which has plummeted in recent years, with industrial and vehicle waste from China's rapidly industrialising south casting thick blankets of smog over the city.

Hong Kong Electric and its rival, China Light and Power, have been accused by green groups of putting profit before health by burning sulphurous coal at their plants instead of more expensive but cleaner natural gas.

Second offshore wind farm planned Hongkong Electric joins CLP Power in green energy push
4 July 2006
South China Morning Post

Hongkong Electric has proposed building a 100 megawatt wind farm off Lamma Island or the Ninepin Islands.

Plans for the wind farm, intended to begin supplying power in 2012, were announced yesterday when the company submitted an environmental impact assessment plan to the government.

The proposed farm would supply 1.6 per cent of Hongkong Electric's total annual output.

It is the second offshore wind farm proposed this year. CLP Power and partner Wind Prospect proposed a 150 megawatt wind farm, also off the Ninepin Islands.

One of Hongkong Electric's potential sites is 3.5km southwest of Lamma. The other is about 3km southeast of Ninepin Islands, close to the site proposed by CLP Power and Wind Prospect.

Hongkong Electric plans to build up to 40 triple-bladed turbines anchored to the seabed, each with a generating capacity of 2.5 megawatts.

Hongkong Electric's proposed farm is smaller than CLP Power's, but it would be able to produce 175 million kilowatt hours of electricity each year, enough to supply 50,000 families.

"The project is undertaken in support of the government's policy of having 1 to 2 per cent of electricity generated by renewable energy by 2012," said Hongkong Electric chief engineer Tso Che-wah. "As land resources are scarce, the development of offshore wind farms is the only viable option."

Power companies are entitled to up to 11 per cent return on investment in renewable energy under the regulatory review proposed by the government to promote clean energy.

Hongkong Electric has yet to do environmental impact studies on the project's construction and operational phases.

Cable routing will also be studied before detailed wind monitoring is carried out.

The Lamma site has the advantage of being close to the company's power plant and grid, and the sea is shallower there than at Ninepin Islands.

But its winds are not as good as those at Ninepin.

CLP Power expects construction of its 50 wind turbines, each with 3 megawatts of generating capacity, to start by 2009 and generation to begin by 2011.

A spokesman for Hongkong Electric said its site would not interfere with CLP Power's project.

But CLP Power's partner, Wind Prospect, has expressed alarm at Hongkong Electric's plans.

"We did not anticipate there would be another wind farm nearby when we designed ours," a spokesman for Wind Prospect said. "We really need to look at what they propose before we can assess the situation."

He said extra wind farms would affect navigation routes and the layout of their farm.

"Marine officials will have headaches with the possibility of so many wind turbines to be built there," he said.

This is a great idea, I hope it is completed.

Winds of change from offshore power
Albert Wong
Hong Kong Standard
Saturday, September 09, 2006

A proposed offshore wind farm to generate electricity, nine kilometers east of Clear Water Bay, will make Hong Kong the leader in Asia in terms of wind energy, according to a renewable energy company.
Past experience has also shown that wind farms gradually develop into tourist or recreational sites, and a possible offshore wind farm in Hong Kong could be open to marine enthusiasts and those who just want to relax "and listen to the gentle swish of the blades," said Chris Morris, commercial director at Wind Prospect.

The foundation of the turbines on the sea bed can also be enhanced to attract more marine life, possibly making them diving spots, said Alexander Tancock, general manager of Wind Prospect in Hong Kong.

"I think it is going to be hugely important for Hong Kong in terms of its image," Tancock said.

"This could be the most prominent wind farm in Asia. Kids growing up are going to be much more aware of the environment.

"At this stage, we don't envisage the site as having to be `sealed-off.'

"I'm already planning a wind-farm cup [for sailing]," he quipped.

Wind Prospect has been conducting a feasibility study on wind energy in Hong Kong for 18 months, since the government's Council for Sustainable Development set the target of having 1-2 percent of Hong Kong's electricity generated by renewable energy by 2012.

In partnership with CLP Power, Wind Prospect believes an offshore wind farm is most suitable for Hong Kong, where there are no vast plains of land.

Offshore wind farms in the past, have cost 30-40 percent more to construct than wind farms on land, but "clearly, in Hong Kong, there isn't much space," Morris said.

And once the farm is built, "operational costs are minimal, you just need to change the oil [in the hydraulics] once in a while," he said.

The current site has been chosen with consideration to shipping traffic, fishing value, aviation path, environmental concerns and wind speeds. There will be about 50 to 60 turbines in the farm, although much depends on the result of the feasibility study, Tancock said.

The site should generate enough electricity for 90,000 to 100,000 homes, about 1 percent of Hong Kong's electricity needs.

"This is the best site," said Tancock, and the possibility of further wind farms will depend on "what the public is willing to accept."

Elsewhere around the world, wind energy is fast becoming the most popular alternative source of electricity generation.

Since 1996, installations of wind farms has grown exponentially, and more wind farms were installed last year than nuclear power units, according to Morris. Wind farms, in particular, avoid the "not in my backyard" opposition, he said.

Consultation with the Clear Water Bay and Sai Kung communities has so far been positive, Morris said.

The feasibility study will still take one to two years to complete, but Wind Prospect is confident the project will go ahead and be completed by 2012.

Tancock said there were no prominent obstacles to overcome, merely that they had to strike a right balance between technical, environmental and economical concerns.

"We've spent millions on this project. If it doesn't go anywhere, then we've made a big mistake," Tancock said.

Micro power revolution set to blow in
Hong Kong Standard
Friday, March 16, 2007

Technological advances pioneered at the University of Hong Kong have removed barriers to wind power in the territory, while allowing companies or industries to generate their own renewable energy.

The micro-wind turbine technology - developed jointly by the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the university and Motorwave - is small enough for private company use, and the turbine can operate at wind speeds as low as one meter per second.

Micro-turbine inventor Lucien Gambarota said Thursday the new compact designs, with a rotor diameter of 25 centimeters, were more effective than conventional wind turbines with a rotor diameter of 50 meters, such as Hong Kong Electric's monolith wind turbine on Lamma Island.

The miniature windmills will allow users from all sectors to reduce energy costs while reducing carbon emissions from mainstream power use.

The cost of the new mini-turbines will only be 10 to 20 percent of conventional windmills and could be recouped within two years, according to HKU.

Hong Kong's varied topography would not present space or wind-access barriers to the smaller wind turbines as it would with larger windmills.

Wind-tunnel tests have confirmed that micro-turbines arranged within a surface area of one square meter could generate 131 kilowatt-hours a year, capable of powering a television for seven hours.

Gambarota - who also developed the California Fitness concept of harvesting human energy during exercise - said conventional wind turbines had a very strict range of operation, and are unable to generate power if the wind speed was too low, or forced to shut down when high wind speeds threatened to tear the giant windmills apart.

Vigorously tested at HKU for use in urban areas with low wind speeds, the miniature windmills have been proved to work in a wider range of wind speeds, proportionately capable of generating from two to 10 times the power of conventional windmills and especially adapted for low wind speeds prevalent in areas such as Tsim Sha Tsui.

HKU associate professor Dennis Leung Yiu-cheong, who helped develop the technology, said the reduction of emissions from pollution sources was of paramount importance.

"You and I will be able to choose to help the environment by harnessing wind power and reducing greenhouse gases," he said.

The micro-turbines can be arranged in rows or walls, increasing the area collecting wind power.

The edges of the micro-turbines resemble a gear, allowing more than one to be connected.

Doug Woodring, vice chairman of the environmental department of the American Chamber of Commerce, said that, besides power generation, the micro-turbines could power water pumps, create air pressure at posts on remote roads for inflating tires and provide a clean power source for desalinization.

Woodring, also the vice president of Motorwave, said the variety of colors available for the micro-turbines provided advertising opportunities. Properly arranged color-coordinated arrays could generate power while spelling out messages.

The Hong Kong Sea School in Stanley will be the first in the territory to utilize the new technology.

Split into two phases, the first half of the program will have 360 micro- turbines covering 20 square meters, able to realize a potential of 6.5kw daily.

The potential 2.3 megawatt-hours generated annually would also reduce carbon dioxide by 1,420 kilograms.

Pending the success of the first phase, a second phase has been proposed to bring the total number of turbines to more than 1,240.

The World Wildlife Fund's Hoi Ha Marine Reserve is studying plans to install the turbines in an effort to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

Clear the Air chairman Christian Masset wondered whether the new technology would be able to break the stranglehold Hong Kong's two power companies have on the market.

Unless the scheme of control between the government and power companies was revamped, there was little room for small competitors, Masset said.

Hikers join critics of Sai Kung wind farm
24 June 2009
South China Morning Post

The landscape of Sai Kung might lose its attraction to overseas hikers if a proposed offshore wind farm is approved, the Hong Kong Mountaineering Union has warned.

The group is the latest organisation to join a campaign, led by the Association for Geoconservation, against the project.

Frederick Yu Ka-chi, president of the union, said that the many thousands of tourists who come to see Hong Kong's natural beauty might be disappointed if the landscape was contaminated by development.

"I was always puzzled over why they come to Hong Kong to hike rather than Europe or America. Some Japanese visitors later told me that hiking in Sai Kung was a unique experience as they could enjoy both the green hills and scenic sea views at the same time," he said.

Proposed by CLP Power, the HK$6.7 billion wind farm would be 10km off the Sai Kung coast and comprise 67 wind turbines, each over 120 metres tall.

It would supply about 1 per cent of Hong Kong's electricity and avoid 300,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions a year. CLP said the project would add about 2 per cent to electricity bills.

But activists say it is not worth spoiling the landscape for an insignificant reduction in greenhouse gases.

Signatures collected in Sai Kung this weekend will be submitted to the Environment Bureau. The community group Explore is carrying out an online opinion survey.

Young Ng Chun-yeong, chairman of the Association for Geoconservation, said it might kill the bid to list a proposed geopark as a world natural heritage site.

Yau Wing-kwong of the Tai Po Environmental Association said Hong Kong should consider co-operating with Guangdong on renewable energy instead of focusing on resources within its territory.

I'm not keen to see the wind turbines ruining the natural scenery, to be honest... not that I'm not pro-renewable energy...

I'm not keen to see the wind turbines ruining the natural scenery, to be honest... not that I'm not pro-renewable energy...

Totally agree.

I absolutely hate that one turbine that is standing on Lamma.
It is a complete eyesore from anywhere you can see it.
Despite it is renewable energy, it destroy everything else.

More photos : http://www.fotop.net/mw93036600/LAMMA

http://www.dchome.net/attachments/day_081226/20081226_63c19e24fa92bf0bb913BkiQEuQMlnn7.jpg

http://www.dchome.net/attachments/day_081226/20081226_924094dc365ae8c4691elc5xImCsFL4v.jpg

Why not lease land on the Mainland Islands in the Sea to the south on HK and cover them in Wind Turbines? Surely there is a precedent for long term leasing between HK and China!

Why do HK wind farms need to be in HK waters?

Totally agree.
I absolutely hate that one turbine that is standing on Lamma.
It is a complete eyesore from anywhere you can see it.


What about the power station on Lamma? Wind Turbine is less of an eyesore. Is it not a case that people are still not used to them? Is a turbine less pretty than a grid pylon or an elavated train system?

Why not lease land on the Mainland Islands in the Sea to the south on HK and cover them in Wind Turbines? Surely there is a precedent for long term leasing between HK and China!

Why do HK wind farms need to be in HK waters?

As simple as, HK has a well define political boundary separated from the mainland China. And putting your own infrastructures on someone else land is even far irresponsible. Typical NIMBY thinking.

What about the power station on Lamma? Wind Turbine is less of an eyesore. Is it not a case that people are still not used to them? Is a turbine less pretty than a grid pylon or an elavated train system?

The Wind Turbine is much higher and bigger then and power plant stacks. It is more visible from anywhere on the Southern District and Lantau Island. The stacks are sat behind the mountain in a bay, it is less visible from area outside the Lamma.

Why not lease land on the Mainland Islands in the Sea to the south on HK and cover them in Wind Turbines? Surely there is a precedent for long term leasing between HK and China!

Why do HK wind farms need to be in HK waters?

I suppose those islands you're talking about are quite far away and it would be expensive enough to use wind power, let alone building and maintaining all the pylons that run under quite a far stretch of water.

The Wind Turbine is much higher and bigger then and power plant stacks.
is this correct

putting your own infrastructures on someone else land is even far irresponsible. Typical NIMBY thinking.

surely wind profile is better in the open sea so using these islands would offer best ROI for a large scale wind farm, perhaps a Mainland company would build the infrastructure if HK had a policy for a % of electricity from renewables

surely wind profile is better in the open sea so using these islands would offer best ROI for a large scale wind farm, perhaps a Mainland company would build the infrastructure if HK had a policy for a % of electricity from renewables

Perhaps, but then apart from what I have stated, there is also the implication of a rise in electricity bills which will inevitably cause major public uproar...

Maybe other forms of renewable energy can be considered.

rise in electricity bills which will inevitably cause major public uproar....

Really? Surely bills can be scaled so small users pay lass pro-rata than large users. HK surely has the most air conditioned pavements in the world because electricity is too cheap. people will complain and shops will fit doors and double glazing.

Let's see ... Hong Kong Electric's charges

http://www.heh.com/hehWeb/images/html/hecLogo.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/asiaglobe/hkelectric.jpg

"Unit" means kilowatt hour.

Comparisons with ...

New York
http://www.coned.com/rates/elec-historical.asp

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/asiaglobe/ny-coned.jpg

Toronto
http://www.hydroonenetworks.com

http://www.hydroonenetworks.com/en/images/RPP_threshold_chart_2009.gif

Really? Surely bills can be scaled so small users pay lass pro-rata than large users. HK surely has the most air conditioned pavements in the world because electricity is too cheap. people will complain and shops will fit doors and double glazing.

Before you're so surely sure, read hkskyline's post above.

is this correct

no, but the moving object is more eye-catching than the static stacks.

how many complaints have been received about visual impact after installation?

How many complaints have been received about having footbridges in Hong Kong?

Exactly

By rpks from a Hong Kong photography forum :

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/rodgerpoon/IMG_1996.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/rodgerpoon/IMG_2015.jpg

LCQ 17: Impact on the environment of offshore wind farm
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Government Press Release

Following is a question by Hon Mrs Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward Yau, in the Legislative Council today (January 13):

I have learnt that CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP) intends to construct the largest offshore wind farm in the world at about 10 kilometres east of Clearwater Bay, which will involve 67 wind turbines, each about 135 metres high. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) given that the Chief Executive has announced in his 2009-2010 Policy Address that the Ministry of Land and Resources has given approval for Hong Kong Geopark to be listed as a national geopark, which involves eight sites, including the Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region and the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region; and it has been reported that the Hong Kong Government will inject resources to manage the geopark and, with reference to UNESCO's guidelines and through the State, will apply to the relevant authority for listing the geopark as a world geopark; yet the said wind farm is only three kilometers away from the geopark, whether the Government has studied in-depth the feasibility of having the wind farm constructed at other locations so as to reduce the negative impact on natural scenery and the assessment on the world geopark application to be submitted;

(b) given that it has been reported that the wind farm will be located at the Sai Kung Caldera, which was formed 140 million years ago, and the construction site is also close to the hexagonal rock columns under the sea at Ninepin Group, whether the Government had fully considered the negative impact of the construction of the wind farm on such landscapes when approving the relevant environmental impact assessment report, and whether it had prudently examined comprehensive plans to reduce the impact on local residents and the natural ecological environment during the construction of the wind farm; if it had, of the details; and

(c) whether the Government has fully considered the negative impact of the noise and light pollution created during the operation of the wind farm on migratory birds and marine ecology, as well as the solutions; if it has, of the details?


Reply:

President,

(a) The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the Hong Kong Offshore Wind Farm (HKOWF) conducted by CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP) has taken into account the presence of the nearby Hong Kong Geopark (Geopark). According to the EIA report, given the location of the HKOWF, with mitigation measures in place and using the existing landforms as far as practicable to shield the wind farm turbines from view, landscape and visual impacts could be reduced.

To further mitigate the landscape and visual impacts of HKOWF, the Environmental Permit stipulates that CLP shall submit the final layout of the wind farm turbines to the Director of Environmental Protection for approval. The final layout should demonstrate that it has minimised the footprint of the project among the possible alternative layouts, and maximised the distance of the turbines from Ninepin Group and Ung Kong Group.

Although developing wind farms can achieve the renewable energy target, the Government will continue examining the potential impacts of HKOWF on seeking the Geopark to be listed as "global geopark". The approval of the HKOWF EIA report reflects that the report fulfills the regulations and requirements laid down in the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499). However, construction works can commence only if it fulfills all relevant laws and obtains the necessary approvals. In accordance with the Scheme of Control Agreement, the HKOWF investment requires approval by the Government. By then the Government will consider the application from various aspects, including renewable energy policy, impact on electricity tariff, economic benefits, technical factors, site location etc..

(b) The proposed HKOWF is located approximately 9 km east of the Clearwater Bay peninsula and 5km east of South Ninepin Island, over 3km outside the boundary of the Geopark. The EIA report has recommended suction caissons as foundations of the wind farm turbines. The construction method does not require piling, dredging or drilling into the rock layer of seabed, hence it will not cause adverse impact to the seabed of Ninepin Group and the natural environment of the area. Since the selected HKOWF site is far away from residential areas, construction of the HKOWF also will not cause nuisance to the residents.

(c) The EIA study of HKOWF has considered in detail the impact on migratory birds and marine ecology due to sound and light generated during operation of HKOWF. The EIA report points out that the location of HKOWF is not within the travelling path of migratory birds. Operation of wind turbines will therefore not cause adverse impact to birds. Apart from this, the frequency of sound emitted by HKOWF is different from the range capable to be received by most birds; hence the birds will not be affected by the sound. Non-reflective paint will be applied to the mechanic parts of the wind farm turbines to reduce the impact of reflected sunlight to the birds. Regarding marine ecology, the EIA study identifies that in the vicinities of HKOWF, finless porpoises and green turtles are the species deserving more protection. However, the waters of HKOWF are not the main habitat of the finless porpoises and green turtles. It is expected that the sound and light generated by HKOWF will not impose long-term adverse impact to both species.

I think the Wind Turbine at Lamma Island was a neat idea......and has thus served as a sort of a benchmark for Wind Power implementations in Hong Kong.

This should be interesting IMHO :)

Marine wind farm planned off Lamma
HK$3b project will use up to 35 giant turbines
6 February 2010
South China Morning Post
SCMP

http://the-sun.on.cc/cnt/news/20100206/photo/0206-00407-013b2.jpg

As many as 35 giant turbines, each as tall as a 27-storey building with blades as long as the wing of a Boeing jetliner, will be dotted across the sea southwest off Lamma five years from now if a HK$3 billion plan by Hongkong Electric to use wind energy to produce power comes to fruition.

The proposed project, with a capacity of about 100 megawatts, could produce enough electricity a year to power 50,000 households.

This would account for about 1 per cent to 2 per cent of the company's annual electricity output.

The project, scheduled to be completed in 2015, calls for 28 to 35 wind turbines, each capable of producing 2.3MW to 3.5MW, to be installed in a 600-hectare sea area about four kilometres southwest of Lamma.

Hongkong Electric, in outlining the plan yesterday, said using wind power could supplant the use of 62,000 tonnes of coal a year, thus reducing carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions by 150,000, 520, and 240 tonnes respectively.

The Hongkong Electric plan comes about six months after CLP won approval of its environmental impact assessment report on an offshore wind farm project.

The proposed CLP wind farm, said to be the biggest in Asia, would be located about nine kilometres east of Clearwater Bay peninsula and five kilometres east of South Ninepin Island. The HK$6.7 billion CLP project involves 67 turbines, with a total capacity of 200MW.

Following government approval of the report, CLP has begun the second stage of a feasibility study, which may take one or two years.

Both wind-farm projects by the two power companies were in response to a government target, set in 2005, of generating 1 per cent to 2 per cent of Hong Kong's electricity from renewable sources by 2012. Hongkong Electric general manager Frank Lau Fuk-hoi said the company's consultant had studied eight potential sites.

The Lamma site was preferred partly because it was close to the company's power base on the island which could provide logistics support during construction stage. "Wind turbines can first be assembled at the power station before being delivered to the site for installation, offering extra convenience and reducing project costs," Lau said.

He declined to speculate about whether the company needed to raise power prices because of the development but said it could mean a decrease in coal costs. "And bear in mind, wind is free of charge," he said. According to the company's environmental impact assessment, which will be the focus of a month-long public consultation from Monday, the project would not greatly harm the marine ecology and the site was not within a bird habitat.

Lau said measures would be taken to minimise possible adverse effects, including restricting the speed of construction ships, and avoiding foundation work during peak marine mammal activity times.

Edwin Lau Che-feng, director of Friends of the Earth, said: "I am not saying it is a bad thing but I am not sure if it is a good environmental investment. Some HK$3 billion is to be used but that will only generate some 2 per cent of the company's total electricity output."

Greenpeace senior campaigner Gloria Chang Wan-ki called on the government to do more. She said: "We cannot cope with climate change by developing one or two wind farms. The government should show its determination and lay out a clear policy direction."

At present, Hongkong Electric is operating a small wind turbine in Tai Ling, Lamma.

reduce. re-use, recycle

How about even a basic legal requirement on the insulation requirements on residential buildings?

HK could probably reduce energy usage by 30% if LAWS were passed requiring energy efficient buildings but that would harm land tax revenue and property developers so not likely under current administration.

Pictures of Government types next to wind turbines in a few yews will make the Government feel good about itself but...

Perhaps if the $67b spent on a fast train was spent on insulation and renewable energy HK power bill could be cut by 40%?

reduce. re-use, recycle

How about even a basic legal requirement on the insulation requirements on residential buildings?

HK could probably reduce energy usage by 30% if LAWS were passed requiring energy efficient buildings but that would harm land tax revenue and property developers so not likely under current administration.

Pictures of Government types next to wind turbines in a few yews will make the Government feel good about itself but...

Perhaps if the $67b spent on a fast train was spent on insulation and renewable energy HK power bill could be cut by 40%?

You cannot hug a figging tree if you don´t grow it. I am all for the welfare of the people and conservation as long as the figging demagogues like Longershanks do not just figging do it for their figging egos.

You cannot hug a figging tree if you don´t grow it.

Explain?

Let's not mix one initiative with another. Wind farms are a good idea while other environmental measures are also good, but one does not have to come at the expense of another.

Let's not mix one initiative with another. Wind farms are a good idea while other environmental measures are also good, but one does not have to come at the expense of another.

absolutely agree.

btw most of you don't like the wind turbine on Lamma but I always like to see it.
It just like other wind turbines in other countries. (I saw some before in Munich, Germany)
Although the energy generated is very small, it still represents something that is good to the environment.
And it is a good start for HK to have renewable energy. (In Chinese we say "萬事起頭難".)

Wind farms have there place but reduction should come first How about a 30% energy tax on Electric?

Wind farms have there place but reduction should come first How about a 30% energy tax on Electric?

There are so many wind farms in Scandinavia. They are the good beginning of the conservation effort. Punitive taxes are as horrible as the armchair demagogue/dictator Longershanks.

http://www.popsci.com/files/imagecache/article_image_large/articles/solarupdraft-ed01.jpg

Just replace the chimney with an 60 storey MTR housing unit and the glass screen by covered walkways and central areas and free electricity (link) (http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2010-01/2400-foot-tall-solar-turbines-power-arizona)

http://www.popsci.com/files/imagecache/article_image_large/articles/solarupdraft-ed01.jpg

Just replace the chimney with an 60 storey MTR housing unit and the glass screen by covered walkways and central areas and free electricity (link) (http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2010-01/2400-foot-tall-solar-turbines-power-arizona)

Yeh right. Are you serious?

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_48ks5s0AV6M/TEdEW3fZEmI/AAAAAAAADq0/GeYs5rJLCBE/s400/6a00d83451c45669e20133f266056b970b-550wi.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_48ks5s0AV6M/TEdEW3fZEmI/AAAAAAAADq0/GeYs5rJLCBE/s400/6a00d83451c45669e20133f266056b970b-550wi.jpg

Strata - A claim of 50MWh of electricity per year that has yet to be proved. The Bahrain WTC didn't achieve their target of generating 11% of their power consumption too.