Hong Kong utility HK Electric has announced plans to develop an offshore windfarm southwest of Lamma Island
In a statement, HK Electric said the windfarm will support the government’s goal of achieving net-zero electricity generation and carbon neutrality by 2050. The windfarm could be operational by 2027.
An application for variation of an environmental permit for the project has been approved by Hong Kong’s Environmental Protection Department. This will allow for the use of larger wind turbines and more effective technology.
With the amended environmental permit, issued in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance, the windfarm project will be included in HK Electric’s next Five-year Development Plan, which covers the period 2024 to 2028, and submitted for government approval.
“Smooth implementation will see tendering commence in 2024 for scheduled commissioning in 2027,” said the company. Turbine installation would start in 2025.
The windfarm, covering an area of about 600 hectares, is located approximately 4 km away from Lamma Power Station and will have a capacity of 150 MW. Depending on the capacity of the wind turbines used, 13 to 19 wind turbines, each of 8 MW to 12 MW, will be installed. The upper tip height of the wind turbines will be between 198 m and 271 me above sea level. The water depth at the site ranges from 17 m to 22 m.
HK Electric had been collecting wind data at the site for many years. According to independent consultants, the site has an average wind speed of about 7.1 m/second.
HK Electric managing director Wan Chi-tin said, “To achieve carbon neutrality to combat climate change, HK Electric fully supports the Government’s zero-carbon electricity goal.
“Apart from increasing gas-fired generation, we have been exploring the development of renewable energy on a wider scale in Hong Kong.”
Mr Wan said the windfarm will produce around 4% of HK Electric’s total electricity output.
